aquarium bracing

saltines · 03/26/2012, 09:12 AM

So i got my hands on a 120g aquarium. I notice it does not have any braces in the center. When i filled it up with water i noticed it bowing a little bit. Took out my measuring tape, measured ends at 18.5 in and the center at about 18 7/8-19in. Im assuming i need some sort of brace in the middle. I dont know what brand this aquarium is, but on the ends of the tank there are 4inchx18.5 inch strips of glass siliconed to the inside corners. My question is will i be able to build a canopy to keep it from bowing. Or what method should i use to brace it. Or if this tank is even useable.

thegrun · 03/26/2012, 09:40 AM

I would add another brace at the center of the tank, it may be okay as is but I would not take the chance. Have a piece of glass cut the same size as the existing side braces and silicone it to the center of the tank. It's best to empty the tank to do the work, but you can use a furniture vice to suck in the middle (use a couple of 1x4's 10" long to distribute the pressure) Let the silicone cure a week before using the tank or removing the clamp.

saltines · 03/26/2012, 09:49 AM

The previous owner said they used it like this for several years i believe but being my first large tank i want to take any precautions i can.

thegrun · 03/26/2012, 10:00 AM

Agreed, I would sleep better at night with the added brace.

03/26/2012, 09:12 AM	#1
saltines Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 35	aquarium bracing So i got my hands on a 120g aquarium. I notice it does not have any braces in the center. When i filled it up with water i noticed it bowing a little bit. Took out my measuring tape, measured ends at 18.5 in and the center at about 18 7/8-19in. Im assuming i need some sort of brace in the middle. I dont know what brand this aquarium is, but on the ends of the tank there are 4inchx18.5 inch strips of glass siliconed to the inside corners. My question is will i be able to build a canopy to keep it from bowing. Or what method should i use to brace it. Or if this tank is even useable.

03/26/2012, 09:40 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	I would add another brace at the center of the tank, it may be okay as is but I would not take the chance. Have a piece of glass cut the same size as the existing side braces and silicone it to the center of the tank. It's best to empty the tank to do the work, but you can use a furniture vice to suck in the middle (use a couple of 1x4's 10" long to distribute the pressure) Let the silicone cure a week before using the tank or removing the clamp.

03/26/2012, 09:49 AM	#3
saltines Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 35	The previous owner said they used it like this for several years i believe but being my first large tank i want to take any precautions i can.

03/26/2012, 10:00 AM	#4
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	Agreed, I would sleep better at night with the added brace.