Hello From Dallas Texas, Please Help.

[EnoOnraefi]

Hello, I recently inherited a 125 Gallon tank that is in desperate need of repair after sitting outside for who knows how long. The glass is still in good condition but everything else on the tank needs work. I have a few questions to ask about where I should even start. I'm not quite sure what section to post in so I figured I'd start here. I currently have a 35 gallon planted tank that I love and I'm looking forward to moving into the 125 over the next 6 months or so. I know that I am going to be resealing the tank and I have done a good bit of research on that part. The part that I'm most worried about is the trim. The top and bottom plastic trim pieces are broken and I know that the trim is a large part of the structural support to keep the tank from bowing and breaking. Where would the proper place to go into more detail and post pics about this? Is there even a reliable fix?

 

[attibones]

Try this video for the trim: https/www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAJfaSEUp58
 
This is a floating base trim, right? Depending on your furniture for this tank you may be able to do without the trim all together. Some people place a thin layer of styrofoam under the tank to help balance out weight but I don't know if this is the best option for a larger aquarium. Maybe others will have input on this. I have seen a lot of videos about building your own aquarium and most don't have a floating base or really any trim, and I don't think they use anything under the tank. Your best bet would be to make sure your furniture can evenly support the tank.
 
If you are talking about the center brace in the aquarium, these are easily fixed. I repaired one on my old 55 gallon with a few wooden dowels. It wasn't attractive, but it was inexpensive and did the job (plus I had a bunch leftover for extra projects). You can do a neater fix with other plastics or even glass, depending on how much work you want to put into the project. 
 
Your best bet for all these sorts of things would be to go to the DIY section of our little forum, but questions in this section are always answered too.
 
Oh, and welcome to the forums!

 

[BiggTexx]

Howdy from East Houston and welcome to the forums!
 
In regards to repairing trim, you really have two options:

1. Replacing with the Plastic trim; or
2. Moving to DIY Euro Bracing

You will find a lot of people who say the trim is mostly decorative, but in fact if it was not needed for the tank, it would have been left off in the first place!  With that said, attibones posted a great video for option 1. Buy the correct trim size for your tank, remove all remaining pieces and clean the tank well to ensure no more silicone residue is leftover.  Silicone the inside of the trim, install and let sit until cured.
 
For option 2, which in my opinion is the better option while you have the tank completely empty and not in use is to move to a DIY euro bracing system.  They may run you a few dollars more and require a bit more work to do, but in the end they have a nicer appearance (in my opinion) and are easier to maintain.
 
https/www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo3KU_MHFhU

 

[EnoOnraefi]

Thanks for the quick replies, I talked to my LFS about ordering a new top frame and they said that because of where the crack on it is, it will not be a problem.

So, I'm going to go the route of fixing the frame cracks with aquarium safe epoxy, for peace of mind, then just reseal the tank and water test it for a few weeks before I move on with building a nice stand and canopy.

I do have a few more questions but I'll move it over to the DIY section so that I don't clog everything up over here.

 

[BiggTexx]

Glad you got it sorted out 

 
Make sure you start a Journal on the build so we can watch the progress!  That would also be a good place to get ideas and information about related projects for the same build.

 

[attibones]

Definitely keep a journal of all your progress. I'm personally very interested in other people's stand builds as I have never done one and it will be one of the first steps when I build my angelfish tank (not for another year at least, but it's good to plan!) and then later my discus tank (which won't be for a looooong time).

 

[EnoOnraefi]

I've started the journal as suggested. Feel free to give some input. http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/438040-125g-planted-tank-from-junk-to-jewel-i-hope/