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10-22-2003, 07:48 PM
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#1
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Reefer
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Boston
Posts: 86
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Replaced the brace, and loving it.
I did it, I replaced the brace on my 36Gl Bow tank with a clear strip of Lexan Polycarbonate and it's working great, so far.
If anyone is interested in how I did it , I can describe it with a Pic just let me know.
- Ekudl
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54 Gl Corner w/20 Gl Sump, 65# LR, 4" SB, 150 MH and 2 - 24Watt T5 Lighting. Various Inverts, Softies and LPS.
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10-23-2003, 08:18 AM
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#2
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It can be rebuilt.
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Pittsboro, NC
Posts: 19,158
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absolutely, this is what the forum is for.  we want lots of pics and descriptions. did you take measurements before and after to see if there is any more bow than before?
G~
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Friends Don't Let Friends Use Refugiums!
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My Build Thread
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10-23-2003, 07:36 PM
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#3
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Reefer
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Boston
Posts: 86
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Yes I did take measurements, no change. I basically just cut a piece of Lexan Polycarbonate purchased from HD for about $4 cut it to length. Glued it with Gorilla Glue under the existing center brace and used 4 Nylon Screws with Washers and Wingnuts to tighten down. Then waited a day and simply cut out the center brace with a utility knife. Thats all, simple, cheap and effective. See PIC.
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54 Gl Corner w/20 Gl Sump, 65# LR, 4" SB, 150 MH and 2 - 24Watt T5 Lighting. Various Inverts, Softies and LPS.
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10-23-2003, 09:10 PM
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#4
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It can be rebuilt.
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Pittsboro, NC
Posts: 19,158
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i keep toying with the same idea on my 125g, but i just have not had the guts yet. which is surprising for me, i am really bad at modifying anything in the house.  that gorilla glue is some crazy stuff. i used it on my boat trailer and it is holding great. i have a feeling that will have no problems holding for your application.
it looked like your brace was flat on both sides, is this correct? mine has two ridges running along its length. not as good a surface to glue or screw to. yet another reason why i have hesitated.
Great job!
G~
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10-25-2003, 10:57 AM
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#5
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Reefer
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Boston
Posts: 86
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Hi Greoff, yes this piece of Lexan is flat and was very easy to glue and screw. The gorilla glue is good stuff and I only included that as an extra support method. The nylons nuts were the real driving force to hold it together. I actually feel safer like this then it was originally because I have a MH light right above it which caused the plastic brace to get very hot. The piece of Lexan is stronger and has UV protecton as well. It doesn't get as hot now.
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54 Gl Corner w/20 Gl Sump, 65# LR, 4" SB, 150 MH and 2 - 24Watt T5 Lighting. Various Inverts, Softies and LPS.
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10-25-2003, 11:40 AM
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#6
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Nothing to See Here
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: South Cali
Posts: 1,542
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-gorilla glue, that stuff is awesome
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10-25-2003, 09:39 PM
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#7
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It can be rebuilt.
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Pittsboro, NC
Posts: 19,158
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what thickness was the acrylic? how much thicker was it than the original plastic brase?
G~
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"J" crowd member.
My Build Thread
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10-26-2003, 07:01 PM
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#8
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Reefer
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Boston
Posts: 86
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The thickness was 1/8th of an inch, same as the plastic brace. Considered doubling the replacement but the Lexan is stronger than the plastic and its UV resistant so I figured a single was fine.
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54 Gl Corner w/20 Gl Sump, 65# LR, 4" SB, 150 MH and 2 - 24Watt T5 Lighting. Various Inverts, Softies and LPS.
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