Cracked cross brace - what to do?

[Rome]

I just bought a tank and now noticed the top brace is cracked. See picture below. The tank holds water fine and did not show noticeable bowing. It is A 55g.

Should I glue it? Let it be, or get a new cap.

The crack is about half way across


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[Squirtle919]

hmmmm wait for some others to comment also I tend to do stuff weirdly =P

Never had this happen with wood but I would get a metal nail clip, like an I with nail holes for the middle, add a silicone or bonder I would go liquid nails personally but this may effect the water if it drops in? If u leave the hood open and cover the tank with glass or plastic should be fine. then when this drys I would nail the clip in just as a back up. If it moves after this its suppose to be lol.

You could leave it id say, but being the center I would want it fixed.

 

[doomiedee]

This happen to my 55 when I bought it but mine had no bottom trim and the top a broken like yours. I replaced the whole trim. I cracked off the peices I could fit my fingers under or a screw driver (i put a towel on the tip to prevent scratching.) Once I got down to the pieces still stuck with sealant I cut them off with a razor. Then cleaned the sealant that remained with the razor washed the parted that had to be replaced with rubbing alchol let it dry then spread the sealant on the trim in a thick bead . Making the corners thickest and a seperate bead running the length every 8" but you should put it all around I only did it this way cause I was running out of sealant and I regret it. Even though I lift the tank bythe trim its not as strong and can easily break if pulled in the right spot. Theres a pic of my 55.

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[hamster]

I snaped the brace bar off my rio300 the front of the tank bowed out about 2" that made me worry like mad. I was told by jewel that the brace bar is not structural part. not sure if it is for larger tanks.

 

[Gill Blue]

I snaped the brace bar off my rio300 the front of the tank bowed out about 2" that made me worry like mad. I was told by jewel that the brace bar is not structural part. not sure if it is for larger tanks.

jewel was wrong. they use cross supports so they can use thinner glass.
thinner glass needs the support or it bows. this can shatter the glass or pull apart the seams.
my 30 year old 90 has no cross support, but the glass is just as thick as the 240 I'm buying.

repair or (my personal choice) replace. you've got a flood waiting to happen.

 

[Rome]

There is no water in it right now.

I paid 90 bucks for heater, air bio filter and hoods so I didn't get completely screwed. I'll try fixing it with liquid nails or a similar glue. If it looks good I will keep it if not I'll replace the cap or buy a new one.


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[anarekist]

jbweld?

 

[Rome]

The way it is cracked I think it can be repaired ok. I think I will also reinforce the bottom of the brace too


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[doomiedee]

I still wouldnt risk it . Best bet is to replace the trim

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[Westie]

The crossbrace on my 90g has been broken for years with no problems.