Replacing Center Brace on a 55G

[jonclark96]

Thanks to a generous fellow CCA'er, I am the new owner of a used 55G. At some point in it's past it appears that the center brace was broken and removed. I filled it to find out if it held water and the good news is that it does. The bad news is that it bows about 3/4" in the center when full. The tank will likely end up on the 2nd floor, so I am not willing to set up the tank without some sort of center brace. I know replacing the entire top frame is an option, but wanted to check with the folks on the forum to see if anyone has any other successful repair techniques that I may be able to use.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Jon

 

[Prince]

Try this http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=640357

 

[jonclark96]

thanks for the link. looks like a trip to home depot in the future. hopefully there is enough plastic left to get the bolts in.

 

[toddnbecka]

I used acrylic hex rod and 2-part epoxy to repair my 55 after the 2nd top frame center brace gave out. If you want a piece of the hex rod I need the exact inside measurement to cut it to fit.

 

[mab]

Easy enough to replace top frame - last one I purchased was less than $5. Took about ten minutes to cut off the old frame. Spot glued the new frame on and it was good to go.

 

[dogofwar]

I think that they have frames at House of Tropicals, unless someone on here has a spare one...

Matt

 

[jonclark96]

Thanks guys. I'll see if I can find a frame. Anyone got one?

 

[mscichlid]

I got my frame for the 100 gal at H.O.T. I saw smaller frames. You should call them up before you go.

 

[danger_chicken]

Try this http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=640357

I used acrylic hex rod and 2-part epoxy to repair my 55 after the 2nd top frame center brace gave out. If you want a piece of the hex rod I need the exact inside measurement to cut it to fit.

I've heard on people combining these two. Taking a piece of plastic and epoxying it to the old frame. I've never done it though.

 

[jonclark96]

I may have found a used frame so that will be the first option. If that doesn't work out I'll give the epoxy & brace a try. I'll let you know how it all works out.