View Full Version : Is a cracked plastic rim on tank a big deal??
marcelft
06/03/2011, 11:35 AM
Friend got me a tank, but there are to cracks on the plastic rim, one on bottom, one on top. How structurally significant are these rims? If so, how would I fix it?
Bottom of tank
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r251/Marcelft/001-13.jpg
top of tank
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r251/Marcelft/002-12-1.jpg
evsalty
06/03/2011, 11:45 AM
That tank looks like it is ment to be braced and the brace is built into the top trim. I would have to think that it is needed on this tank. But that doesn't mean that you couldn't replace it with a glass brace and remove the plastic center piece. This would make the trim soley be for covering the non-finished edges of the glass.
marcelft
06/03/2011, 02:35 PM
Thanks for the reply.
How would I replace it with a glass brace? Run a piece of glass across and attach it with silicone? Is that commonly done?
evsalty
06/03/2011, 02:43 PM
Glass bracing has been around for decades. Newish AGA or now Aqueon tanks have this trim/brace all in one.
Yes you would want to silicone the glass brace to the front and back glass right up against the bottom of the trim piece. I am not an expert on what thickness glass or how wide the brace should be but I can say that Lowes and HD do not carry thick enough glass for this. But a glass shop should be able to cut you one piece for $10 or so. I had a shop cut me 4 baffles of 5mm glass for $30 something and they had it for me the next morning.
evsalty
06/03/2011, 02:46 PM
BTW the bottom trim is not really an issue since you have the bottom glass attached to all four sides. The bottom one only has the same shape more than likely because it is easier to stock only on type of trim per tank.
iamwrasseman
06/03/2011, 02:59 PM
i would just replace the trim piece as its about $20 or less
marcelft
06/03/2011, 04:02 PM
Ok cool..can you recommend a place that sells replacement rims?
flyhigh123
06/03/2011, 04:06 PM
i heard the black trim is just for looks and that it doesn't provide support? Not sure, but maybe someone can chime in.
marcelft
06/03/2011, 04:13 PM
Thats whats Im thinking...cant see it really doing much, maybe on top to keep it from bowing, but acrylic tanks are the ones that bow. I see glass tanks without braces all the time. I think the brace is just for mounting lights. But this is just my opinion. I want someone who builds tanks to chime in.
Thats whats Im thinking...cant see it really doing much, maybe on top to keep it from bowing, but acrylic tanks are the ones that bow. I see glass tanks without braces all the time. I think the brace is just for mounting lights. But this is just my opinion. I want someone who builds tanks to chime in.
I don't build tanks, but I'd be willing to bet it's not just "trim" but indeed structural bracing as this type of tank, being of lesser cost, utilizes thinner glass which then requires additional structural support. Glass bows from the outward force of the water within. The top bracing provides resistive forces to this.
I wouldn't just remove it and feel easy about it. A flood and loss of animals isn't worth the risk.
iamwrasseman
06/03/2011, 07:40 PM
we purchase them from our tank supplier so go to your lfs and order one for the kind of tank that you have and it usually is in stock where we get them from .
yes it is structural as the cross brace is certainly needed for the tank glass not to bow and stress ie.crack .yup replace it and you just need a razor blade or two to cut it off . it may take a bit of effort but i have done it quite a few times . its an hour job at the most and you can use regular aquarium silicone to re glue it to the tank .
navy crf
06/03/2011, 08:53 PM
I had a 72 gallow bowfront that had the center brace explode under metal halides and the tank bowed out a couple of inches. Gave it to a co-worker for a reptile tank and he ordered a new brace off the internet for under $20 and it was good as new... it can be done if you know the dimensions and maybe the brand-name of the tank. Getting your lfs to order it for you like previously mentioned is a great idea as well.
marcelft
06/03/2011, 09:33 PM
Ok cool...Ill research getting new trim. Thanks for all the responses!
Pallobi
06/03/2011, 10:59 PM
i would just replace the trim piece as its about $20 or less
agreed...
jus to add, my 75 has the exact same type crack in the same exact spot... been running with water for nearly a year at this point with no issues whatsoever (started as a fowlr tank until i upgraded my reef)... the important thing to me is, the cross brace is still in fine shape and connected well to both sides... but like stated, they are cheap and easy to replace... so you may jus want to try that route...
steelhead77
06/03/2011, 11:03 PM
Is a cracked plastic rim on tank a big deal??
Yes it is. It is there for a reason. You should replace it or get a new tank.
Good luck.
vBulletin® v3.8.4, Copyright ©2000-2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.