Bottom frame of Glass tank??

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Mastiffman

Mastiffman

Gambusia
MFK Member
Nov 2, 2010
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tropheusandmore.com
If I took the bottom frame of a 180 gallon tank due to damage, like it needs to be removed, would that cause stability issues for the glass seals? Or would I be able to get away with it as long as I had take specific steps.. which I don't know what they are and that's why I'm asking! :)

Thanks!
 
The best thing to do is remove the frame and replace it. The corner of my 180 frame broke off. It's an old tank and I didn't know the maker so I wrapped a 20' tie strap around the bottom of the tank and cranked it down. It's been like that for almost 2 years. It keeps pressure on the corners but not on the span of the tank. I also resealed the corners at the same time. It could be a ticking time bomb or maybe I'll be fine forever. Try at your own risk.
 
the frame allows the tank to be "edge supported" rather than set flat on its glass face. This is HUGE important. I cannot express that enough.

The tank must stay edge supported.

If you cannot repair the frame, what ever you do.... make sure the tank stays supported only by its rim and is not sitting flat. 180 gallons of water on the floor is a big puddle!
 
kdrun76;4928746; said:
the frame allows the tank to be "edge supported" rather than set flat on its glass face. This is HUGE important. I cannot express that enough.

The tank must stay edge supported.

If you cannot repair the frame, what ever you do.... make sure the tank stays supported only by its rim and is not sitting flat. 180 gallons of water on the floor is a big puddle!
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Tnask!

Is there another way to remedy this edge support theory? Like just a 2x4 Frame with a could of supports in the middle? Would I be able to add some styrofoam under that as well?
 
I would put a new frame back on it. There aren't all that expensive and would give you much more ease of mind.
 
why does a tank have to be edge supported? I see tanks all the time that are made from glass with no frame only euro bracing around the top, and some with no frame at all. Isn't it also true that the silicone is the "glue" that holds a glass tank together not the frame.

I think as long as the tank is fully supported and level with no twisting it would be fine.
 
ISteedman;4939791; said:
The silicone holds it together, That frame wouldn't last a second without the silicone. I have a 30 gal without the bottom frame, it sits flat on a board. The frame just insures that there are no pressure points in the center of the glass, that would cause a crack.
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That makes sense to me. I guess it would be better safe than sorry, BUT a sheet fo 1" Polystyrene would fix that! 4x8ft sheet is about $8 at The H-Depot!
 
I have a 30gal that I got for free, that didn't have the bottom bracing frame, so I am looking into a fix to this.
 
If the 30 is made properly there is no need to replace the frame. Thats with the sides sitting on top of the bottom pane. You also have to place the tank properly with the full support of the bottom and perfectly level, on a piece of foam is best. But if you want to replace it glasscages.com has frames fairly priced.
 
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