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| General Reef Discussion In this forum we discuss issues related to keeping marine and reef aquariums in a friendly flame-free environment. |
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11-08-2009, 08:21 AM
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#1
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The Muddy Mod
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Uxbridge, MA
Posts: 5,517
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Cross Brace Snapped
The center brace on my bow front 90 snapped and there's a 1/16" gap between the 2 edges. I know this subject has come up before, so I'm familiar with how to repair it with a piece of acrylic, but I'm not sure if I should atempt to draw the 2 edges back together or not. I was thinking that a carpenter's clamp from front to back would draw them back together, but I'm nervous. Opinions please? Thanx
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__________________
Butch
***Factory Trained BMW Driver***
****Proud member of the PRG**** 
*President of Tri-State Reef Society*
"I'm King of the Sea People" - Cartman 
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11-08-2009, 08:29 AM
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#2
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They call me EC
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Lakeland Florida
Posts: 3,607
Reviews: 3
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I would not try to draw them back together. I have several older tanks with cracked frames. It seems as though the plastic shrinks with time, gets brittle, and cracks. I don't think the water pressure pushing out on the glass is what causes them to snap. In other words, I don't think that your tank is now wider than it was. I think the frame is just smaller. I would just remove some of the water to relieve some pressure, and repair it where it is. If there's a small gap, I'd leave it. That's just me though.
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"Research and setup a solid tank"CRVZ
"my arch nemesis EC is warping your minds." Geoff 
Buy only AUSSIE Elegance corals.
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11-08-2009, 10:45 AM
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#3
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Gone Snorkeling...
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Greenville,SC
Posts: 8,521
Reviews: 52
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Some people have used aluminum rod or stainless aircraft cable to replace the centerbrace on their tank. just drill far enough back on the frame to make sure whatever bolt you use to stabilize the frame has enough meat to not tear out the plastic... just a thought.
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My 135RR Tank build
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11-08-2009, 01:12 PM
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#4
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BIG SMELLY MOD
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Denham Springs, LA
Posts: 18,733
Reviews: 21
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I have to agree with EC here, But I don't really think the glass is bowed out but think the plastic shrunk over time and finally broke.
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 Vince aka VINNIE 
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11-08-2009, 01:33 PM
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#5
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Lemoyne, Pa
Posts: 102
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You can but a new plastic surround at your local pet store. Just empty half the water, take the old one off and glue the new one on.
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55 gallon
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11-08-2009, 04:04 PM
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#6
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photomod
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Montana
Posts: 5,894
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I would measure to see it the glass bowed, if it did, clamp it back into dimension. 
Otherwise agreed with everyone else. |
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11-09-2009, 12:38 PM
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#7
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Augusta, Georgia
Posts: 400
Reviews: 9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wharyat
I would measure to see it the glass bowed, if it did, clamp it back into dimension.
Otherwise agreed with everyone else. |
+1
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11-09-2009, 12:41 PM
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#8
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Carpe Noctem
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Western Colorado
Posts: 8,181
Reviews: 25
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Hard to tell if a bow-front is bowing  Check the rear pane and see if it is bowing. If not I would fix it with the gap. I've used acrylic and aluminum stock in the past (the acrylic was a better choice ).
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Hop~
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11-09-2009, 12:48 PM
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#9
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I've got the REEF rash!
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 34,092
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+1 and it's see tru!
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11-09-2009, 02:58 PM
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#10
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Augusta, Georgia
Posts: 400
Reviews: 9
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Replacement Brace
A strip of acrylic and some weld-on glue ( I also used some nylon bolts)
I did it because the existing brace was casting an ugly shadow in my tank. |
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