center brace for 55

[bigriver]

Do you really need one,a friend gave me a 55 without one and has used it that way for years,but im concerned was he lucky because im not.I know you def need it for big tanks but a 55? 40 gal breeders dont have one.What do you think im worried that i might find a flood when i get home.

 

[scubasteve06]

Yes DEFINATELY. I have a failed 55 with a broked center brace that dumped 50 gallons of water on the floor. If no center brace is present and the tank is filled it will cause the tank walls to flex indefinately till the seals crack causing them to fail and water to leak. I did reseal this tank and am using it but I only keep it 1/3rd of the way filled for fry growing out to feeder size.

 

[bigriver]

Thats what i was afraid of...is there a way to make one ,im thinking of cutting glass strips across the top and then silicon or gluing them there would that work?

 

[scubasteve06]

maybe sounds like a start, maybe post this thread again in the DIY forum you could get a lot more ideas for something like that.

 

[bigriver]

Ok.thanks I just used my glass cutter and will now try this later.

 

[mcsx]

you could try euro bracing look it up