Emergency!! Bowfront brace cracked!!!! HELP!

Jmaddan · 05-08-2008, 05:59 PM

SO I HAVE A 72G BOWFRONT WITH CORNER OVERFLOW SETUP...THE BRACE WAS BROKEN WHEN I SET IT UP...BUT WE ADDED A PIECE OF ACRYLIC TO IT AND GLUE THE BRACE BACK AND STRAPPED THE TOP AROUND...THOUGHT IT WOULD BE FINE FOR A WHILE....WELL JUST NOW THE FRONT CENTER PIECE TOTALLY CRACKED AND IS SEPERATED BY ABOUT A HALF OF INCH..

I HAVE A 180G IN THE GARAGE THAT I REALLY DO NOT WANT TO SETUP RIGHT NOW....
I CANT AFFORD TO BY ANOTHER TANK EITHER.....

ANY SUGGESTIONS....ON HOW TO FIX IT WITHOUT EMPTYING THE TANK....

MY TANK IS FULLY STOCKED WITH FISH,CORAL AND ROCK.....

lReef lKeeper · 05-08-2008, 06:10 PM

you can buy the top trim pieces that the brace is a part of, but it would take a few days to get it unless you can find one locally. without that brace, the tank is eventually going to give under the pressure of the water inside it.

sounds like it is time to set up the BIG tank !!

Jmaddan · 05-08-2008, 06:18 PM

I looked into that before we set it up....Dont I have to know what company made it, If so how do I find that out..There are no markings or anything......If I did order a brace wouldnt I have to empty the tank to replace it? Thanks

lReef lKeeper · 05-08-2008, 06:30 PM

i would check the websites of All Glass and Perfecto to see if it is one of their tanks (odds are it is). you would have to empty the water from the tank to install it, but there are not really any other options if you want to do it right.

if you want to "rig" it ... i would drill a few holes in both sections of the original brace, but some nylon bolts and nuts and throw at least a 3/8" strip of acrylic on it. like this ...

Setting up a 65 gal reef ready sw tank

Jmaddan · 05-08-2008, 06:37 PM

Alright i'll check those sites and see....I saw that thread and thought about it, But I just really didnt want to empty it even tho,I know it has to be done....

I think the center is broke to close to the front of the brace im not sure if I can add the acrylic to it....

Thanks again!

Jmaddan · 05-08-2008, 07:39 PM

Ok...so! I am retarded and can not find the link to All glass or Oceanic..Only stores that sell them,
Does anyone know the direct link???The canopy says Oceanic so I am guessing that the whole system was bought together....If I post a pic is there anyway you can tell me what brand it is???

Thanks.

lReef lKeeper · 05-08-2008, 07:45 PM

if the canopy says Oceanic then the whole thing probably is.

Oceanic Systems

you will probably have to contact them through an email.

laurabolyard · 05-08-2008, 09:48 PM

I am totally going to be having tank disaster dreams tonight

good luck and be careful!!

Jmaddan · 05-09-2008, 01:41 AM

Thanks....I just got home and realized that my whole tank, stand and all is bowing forward about a half inch.
Lets hope it stays together through the night.....

**JustDavidP** · 05-09-2008, 09:06 AM

Eeeeesh... keep us updated.

Jmaddan · 05-09-2008, 06:31 PM

Here are some pics of the crack....I read that some people have melted the plastic back together...So were going to try that and also add some extra support.....As you can see we luckily have that ugly red strap around the top for a "just in case" like this....Gladly my canopy covered it!

saltycritter · 05-09-2008, 07:39 PM

Wow , I hope that never happens again

veriann · 05-09-2008, 10:27 PM

wow, thats orsome.....umm, in a terrible kinda way!

Guys, Important service announcement here- if this ever happens to any of you in future, your first trip is to the hardware store to buy some extendable plastic G clamps that table makers use. Better yet buy some now cause there not expensive. (esspesically the asian imports..lol) This will buy you all the time in the world to deciede the correct course of action to take. Or more importantly ensure you have a safe working environment in the coming steps.

Im not sure about acrylic's cutting factor, but glass can potentially kill in a tank rupture. & considering the water only flows in one dirrection on bust out it doesn't take a genious to realise you or your family could be in serious trouble. Second to that electricity IS your friend, its willing to share its love & effects at every oppertunity.

At the end of the day, braces are to restrict convexitional flex of internal pressure. The bigger the volumes, the bigger the risk. So think smart & protect yourselves.

**CarmieJo** · 05-10-2008, 01:11 AM

Great idea on the clamps V!

Jmaddan · 05-10-2008, 01:16 AM

We have it together with ratcheted tie down things..(lol) we were able to put it back in its orignal place and use a couple pieces of acrylic and "weld on #16" from tap plastics and it basically was fused together...tomarrow were going to slowly release the straps and hope it stays in place...but as always keep the ugly red one on just in case.

And hopefully Oceanic writes me back soon so I can get a replacement.....

veriann · 05-10-2008, 01:19 AM

good luck, keep the photos rolling on your progress.