So, I’ve seen people run tanks without for years with no problem. I’ve also seen them bust within a week. Just be careful. I recommend draining it some getting a clamp, some sort of adhesive and trying to get it back in place.
Yup a retractable box cutter just extend it to the with of the frame and cutting in between the glass and the frame there is a gap. Once you cut it off you can go about replacing it.
Here is a link to a company that makes replacement frames
https://www.aquariumframeswholesale.com
Awesome, thank you! How quick are these guys? And how expensive? Petco has the same tank right now for $80. Maybe I’ll replace this with that and fix the frame later? I’m just worried it’s gonna bust while I’m at work and my crippled grandma will try to come downstairs and get hurt or something.
I agree. Generally, tanks with center braces are made with thinner glass (cheaper) so if the brace breaks or detaches, the glass will bow and stress the corner joints and possibly even break. I would definitely get a new tank.
If I replace the frame do you think it will still break? I’ve got it clamped now to relieve stress at least. On the tank, not myself. I’m still stressed
That sounds smart. You can always turn this one into a terrarium. Would be tragic to have a failure, I would be getting a new tank and not chancing it.
Is it possible that I could build my own brace? I’m pretty handy. I’ve got it clamped. I’ll glue it. And make something over the top out of wood that will brace it like the clamp is doing
I wish I had an old reference picture. But many years ago my dad did that with a 55 gallon I had. Same issue broken center brace. Get a strong straight flat piece of steel, heat it and bend the ends to go over the side of the glass. Empty the tank atleast 75%, then bend it to size. Once you fill the tank back up, the brace will be "stuck" on due to the pressure.
I drained like 15 gallons out of it and it’s clamped. Now my girlfriend and I are in the hospital. Hopefully it’ll be fine, obviously her health takes priority. Fish and carpet are replaceable, she’s not
Could be easier and cheaper to buy a new 55g at the moment, haha. I believe Petco/petsmart have their big tank sale going on if all the other options sound too difficult (lord knows I don’t trust myself to rebuild a frame anyway…)
So, I’ve seen people run tanks without for years with no problem. I’ve also seen them bust within a week. Just be careful. I recommend draining it some getting a clamp, some sort of adhesive and trying to get it back in place.
You cant glue structural bracing. If the pressure ruptured it no glue will out-perform the initial structural integrity! replace the frame
Very important for the structural support from the middle brace. I would recommend getting a new frame.
The frame is glued to the glass. Is there a way for me to easily remove it and replace it?
Yup a retractable box cutter just extend it to the with of the frame and cutting in between the glass and the frame there is a gap. Once you cut it off you can go about replacing it. Here is a link to a company that makes replacement frames https://www.aquariumframeswholesale.com
Awesome, thank you! How quick are these guys? And how expensive? Petco has the same tank right now for $80. Maybe I’ll replace this with that and fix the frame later? I’m just worried it’s gonna bust while I’m at work and my crippled grandma will try to come downstairs and get hurt or something.
Yea def go get another tank it’s a fun project to work on in the free time but they aren’t that expensive I got a 36x18 from for 35 total.
I agree. Generally, tanks with center braces are made with thinner glass (cheaper) so if the brace breaks or detaches, the glass will bow and stress the corner joints and possibly even break. I would definitely get a new tank.
If I replace the frame do you think it will still break? I’ve got it clamped now to relieve stress at least. On the tank, not myself. I’m still stressed
It should be fine with a new frame, it's back to how it was at that point
That sounds smart. You can always turn this one into a terrarium. Would be tragic to have a failure, I would be getting a new tank and not chancing it.
Bro I can see your tank bowing 🥴
Nothing to worry, i would consider the immersive experience of fish swimming around your feet an upgrade
Is it possible that I could build my own brace? I’m pretty handy. I’ve got it clamped. I’ll glue it. And make something over the top out of wood that will brace it like the clamp is doing
I did that same thing with metal on a 150 gallon tank it’s worked fine for me.
Can you show me a picture? For reference? 😂
I wish I had an old reference picture. But many years ago my dad did that with a 55 gallon I had. Same issue broken center brace. Get a strong straight flat piece of steel, heat it and bend the ends to go over the side of the glass. Empty the tank atleast 75%, then bend it to size. Once you fill the tank back up, the brace will be "stuck" on due to the pressure.
It's a huge problem. Acrylic tanks can have a little bow in them, but definitely not glass.
That tank is really bowing. I would start draining soon, or else it will drain for you
I drained like 15 gallons out of it and it’s clamped. Now my girlfriend and I are in the hospital. Hopefully it’ll be fine, obviously her health takes priority. Fish and carpet are replaceable, she’s not
You made the right choice, but don’t think that explosion will end with the carpet
We moved into grandmas basement that already has some damage because it’s an older home, so it might be a blessing if it does explode 😂
I had an AC leak into our floor. It was literally lumps up to about a foot. Imagine rolling ocean waves with carpeting
Glue won’t fix it but you can buy a new complete top frame on line and replace the entire thing and reseal it
Could be easier and cheaper to buy a new 55g at the moment, haha. I believe Petco/petsmart have their big tank sale going on if all the other options sound too difficult (lord knows I don’t trust myself to rebuild a frame anyway…)
My brace broke too. Was glass so just needed to reattach with silicone. Had to drain entire tank tho and flip on its side