just picked up a 120 gallon glass aquarium. 72x18x24. its got the old style fake wood trim on it and its cracked in a few places top and bottom and one of the corners is cracked. the two cross braces are fine. previous owner said he didnt have any problems. just curious if it will be or not
cracked trim
- Thread starter ben89
- Start date
I would replace it. The frames do alot more than people think. It's a structural element if the tank is designed to utilize plastic trim. The bottom is of the utmost importance since it bears the entire load of the tank... especially if the corners are completely separated by cracks. The main load bearing element is the silicone between the panes of glass, but the trim does play a part in reducing the bowing of the viewing panes and stiffening the corners. Some tank manufacturers use the trim as a jig to build the tank so it's usually a very tight fit.
The issue with cracked corners on the bottom is that a sudden lateral impact could cause the trim to shift under the weight of the tank. Silicone does not adhere well to plastic. Its unlikely but possible. Replacement trim isn't expensive. If you don't want to spend the cash to replace it you could at the very least use a 2 part epoxy "plastic weld" and some bar clamps on the corners.
I've got a couple small tanks (40b) sitting on cracked trim. Im biting my nails trying to plan for replacing them both. Its a risk I wouldn't take on a larger tank.
I paid like $16 a trim for some 40b tanks at the lfs. I'm a diy guy but it's hars to fabricate anything for less than $32
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The issue with cracked corners on the bottom is that a sudden lateral impact could cause the trim to shift under the weight of the tank. Silicone does not adhere well to plastic. Its unlikely but possible. Replacement trim isn't expensive. If you don't want to spend the cash to replace it you could at the very least use a 2 part epoxy "plastic weld" and some bar clamps on the corners.
I've got a couple small tanks (40b) sitting on cracked trim. Im biting my nails trying to plan for replacing them both. Its a risk I wouldn't take on a larger tank.
I paid like $16 a trim for some 40b tanks at the lfs. I'm a diy guy but it's hars to fabricate anything for less than $32
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the crack in the corner on the top doesnt go all the way through the trim. could that be glued?
none of the bottom corners are cracked
the cracks in the bottom are about a foot or so from the edges
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all the silicone looks great. after i get it cleaned up i will slowly add water and see if the cracks start to expand. if they do i guess i will drain it and get a new top.
i think it will be ok because the braces are still intact
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i think it will be ok because the braces are still intact
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Thats nowhere near as bad as I imagined. I could post you a pic of my 40g if you really wanna see a really bad one. Lol
You could probably get away with an epoxy repair. Just sand and prep it good.
If you plan on leaving it setup for a long time and cannot see breaking It down or moving anytime soon it may be worth replacement of the trim.
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You could probably get away with an epoxy repair. Just sand and prep it good.
If you plan on leaving it setup for a long time and cannot see breaking It down or moving anytime soon it may be worth replacement of the trim.
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