Second Hand Tank

[piper]

I picked up my first tank the other week. Nice, cheap and more of the point local.
The only concern is that I might be missing a centre piece of glass strapping. Where there is a break in perimiter strapping should there have been a central brace ?

Should I add a brace myself or is it okay as is ?

 

[windsor-aquatic]

The tank as shown in he picture is missing a centre brace, and on no account should be used until that is replaced. I would suspect that someone has attempted to lift it, using the centre brace as a "handle", but however it happened, it needs replacing.

 

[littleimp]

It also looks like that rear brace has broken or is that the pic??

 

[windsor-aquatic]

Yes, I think Littleimp is right, the rear bracing bar needs replacing also.

 

[piper]

Doh, Oh dear I’m glad I asked you lot now. I thought I was on my way and ready to fill it up.
How do I go about repairing that strapping?
I was just going to get a small strip of glass cut to go over the back part, or will I have to replace the whole strip. Can I just simply cut and stick in a central brace?
What shall I secure it with?

 

[windsor-aquatic]

The broken brace bar needs to be removed and replaced with a new one, and then 1 added across the centre of the tank, of about the same width as the other two. Use high modulus silicone to hold them in place (be sure to specify for aquatic use when buying).

 

[piper]

Thanks people, any idea where i could find that silicon windsor ? UK .....

 

[windsor-aquatic]

Any decent glazing or glass supplier will stock it, or most fish retail outlets.

 

[piper]

Does this look like the stuff, its all they had at the LFS

 

[Rooster]

For speed, I would just add a pair of braces, either side of the broken bit...
Yea thats the sealant put a thin smear on one side of each of the joints - which must be extra clean, use alcohol if possible, to clean, to ensure the best bond. Then lightly clamp, or use tape to hold the joint for AT LEAST a day...

 

[piper]

Yeah, ill do that me thinks, as im going ot struggle to pull off that back brace