Simple DIY question

[iloveyouDIE]

My 55 gallon was sitting with it's lid on (empty in storage) and my cats jumped on top of it. It broke the center bar.

Now, I have a standard 2 piece plastic hood that came with the tank.
Whats the best material to use to replace the center bar and how should I secure it? The lid just falls in without the bar there.

 

[gomezladdams]

I fixed one with plexiglass and machine screws.Depends on where its broken though.Your lfs should be able to order you a new frame for about $15

 

[boldtogether]

Are you talking glass center brace or plastic prace attached to the rim?
Gall brace: clean old silicone off and re-glue LIGHTLY clamping it.
Plastic rim: You can but a new rim and remove the old one and simply re-glue....alot of work. gomezladdams has got the right idea ...plexiglass, glued and screwed.

 

[knifegill]

I'd be thanking that cat for pointing out the fragile support. I doubt it would have held the weight of water horizontally if it didn't hold the weight of the cat vertically.

Most of the time, see this center brace replaced with a sheet of glass about 1/8" thick and 3" wide, siliconed into the groove of the plastic rim.

 

[iloveyouDIE]

Thanks guys. It's a plastic center brace attached to the rim.

One side was definitely weak and I knew that. The fish that used to be in the tank were moved into my 150 so I guess it's good that I didn't keep anything in there. I plan on cleaning it out and making it a SA/CA tank in the summer. I'll make sure I fix it first.

I'll think I'll go with the plexiglass or glass replacement. What sort of screws would work best without me worrying about rusting or anything?