Broken top frame on an aquarium

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Carefree_Dude

Piranha
MFK Member
Feb 4, 2011
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Portland, OR
After setting up an old 55 gallon aquarium, I noticed that the top frame is cracked. the crack goes through the entire frame. As of right now, the tank is holding water with no issues. Ultimately I will replace this (a LFS sells them), but will the aquarium be fine until I get around to it, or should I drain it right away? It will probably be a few weeks before I can get around to replacing the frame.

Also, how do I replace it?
 
Is it just the frame or the center brace? Just the frame it will be fine. If it's the center brace I would drain the tank down or install clamps or make a temporary wood brace.
 
You should be fine if anything drain it a little lower but still above half way.

as for replacing it this is tricky theres a few ways. (if I am understanding correctly some americans have different tanks to us aussies)

- Try to cut the frame (assuming this is the brace going like this - on the front or back panel) free from the center and side braces(fishing wire) once the tank is drained. then cut wood to the right height silicone the glass and use the wood to support it. you will have to strip and clean the glass with metho and the center brace before reattaching)

Or

-Remove the whole brace system and put a new one right in.

I have a funny feeling you may have the plastic bracing I have seen in many pictures in which case I have no clue =(
 
I'm not a tank builder, but my intuition is that little or nothing is purely cosmetic in these designs. If so, that means the structural integrity has been diminished. Does that equate to imminent failure? Probably not. But I think adding some temporary bracing or draining the level down some as suggested is prudent.
 
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