50 gallon with a broken middle crossbar - safe?

[Salvelinus]

I recently moved houses, and had to take down my tanks.
Yesterday while giving my 50 gallon (48" long, 20 inches tall) a scrubbing before setting it up in my new home, my elbow banged into the crossbar that goes from one side of the tank to the other (supporting the two hood pieces on either side). The plastic broke in the middle, and the two pieces sag a little towards the middle of the tank, but will still support the hood pieces enough to function as a hood support.

What I'm wondering is if it will be safe to fill the tank with water? No glass is compromised (cracked or otherwise), but it looks like this cross piece, in addition to supporting the hood pieces, acts to keep the front and back glass pieces from bowing outward near the top when the tank is filled.

Anyone ever have this happen? Any guess if the front and back walls will support the weight without giving way?

Or should I just scrap the tank and get a new one (and have the peace of mind of not having to worry that it will one day spontaneously give out).

Thanks!

[Algenco]

You need that center brace. It can be repaired, no need to scrap the tank unless you live close to me:ezpi_wink1:

[Lady Hobbs]

I think since your tank is glass it will be ok. But I would try to find a way to add another piece to the bottom of the broken piece just to shore it up so it doesn't break further. Another piece of plastic with some Liquid Nails perhaps.

[Salvelinus]

I have a draw-bar type clamp that can easily span the top of the tank and bring the edges back closer together. The center brace was clearly under a little bit of tension since the two pieces on either side of the break are now spread about 5-6mm apart unless the front and back are pushed together.

I was thinking of putting a long piece of plastic under that cross bar, and glueing it and clamping it along its length to spread out the tension. I guess the question is what kind of plastic (and where might I find a suitable piece), and what type of glue will hold the glued plastic pieces under constant moisture exposure?

Many thanks!

[Lady Hobbs]

Someone with more technical know-how will have to help with this question. But if the two pieces now have a gap it's showing a pressure point. You don't want the tank to bow. It sounds as you have added the water?

You may have to replace that whole center brace as mentioned above but others will have idea's. I just checked my tank and it's one whole piece so might not be a bad fix at all to just replace the thing and have no worries.

[Salvelinus]

It is a one piece frame on the top - goes all around the top and includes the cross bar. Not sure how I would get the whole top frame off since it is very solidly glued on.

I did try filling it to see what would happen - the glass bows slightly at the top, but not too badly, probably 5mm each for the front and back. Still, I would worry about it spontaneously giving way at some point. Since the aquarium would be going in a second floor room, I definitely wouldn't want it to let go - the mess would be incredible.

[Lady Hobbs]

What kind of tank is it? You might call the manufacturer and find out if they can send you another top piece. You will have to get the old one off sliding a razor blade under the lip and working that old silicone out of there.

Just what you want to mess with after just moving huh?

[discus35]

just cut a piece of glass that is the same length that the tank is wide
silicone it under the broken support but make sure the glass piece touches both front and back of the tank and that will be your new support center the piece of glass should be at least 2-3 inch's wide.
no need to get a new plastic piece
i have done this to several tanks that i have found over the years and never had a problem with any of them ...

[Lady Hobbs]

I was just reading about that on the net!

[AquaQueen]

I would see if your LPS knows of anyone who has repaired tanks in your area...They do have people out there. Also if you are in good with your local Fish guy then maybe he can see if he can get the replacement part cheaper with his discount...I have had my guy help me with something similar and they have pull so that may benefit you it did with me. It wont hurt to find out. I would also try to Google repairing Fish Tanks, there is alot of info out there to get some ideas from. I hope all goes well for you...I'd hate to see ya go and trash your tank if there's a chance it can be fixed. Good Luck!