Front Of Tank Flexing!!!

he is saying you can get a piece of glass cut and silicone it in place across the top from the front pane to the back pane of glass. the will stop the flexing.

Bill

[Spiny]

Originally Posted by reefcat

So are you saying to to 2 clamps at each end of the tank at the top and like silicone on like a wood brace to hold it at the top like the bottom does.

actually no, I'd just put clamps enough to make the pannels straight, then I'd use a strip of glass and make a kind of eurobrace just for the front and back (or complete eurobrace if you feel like it)

something like this:

(that's my 120g when I made it)


Make sure you use good quality non toxic silicone

[Sean]

Just me but that tank is small enough and old enough that you got your moneys worth, I would consider getting a new one just for peice of mind.. I mean if you start messing around with home made fixes you might make the tank angry.

[mark]

flexing? do you have a wave-maker or surge?

[Reelgator]

My email is here from Bulk Reef Supply

Thanks David for putting this together!

Reel Gator

[StirCrazy]

ok how much deflection is there. glass does deflect and depending on the amount it may or may not be an issue. get a nice strait edge preferably as long as the tank and lay it across the front and measue the gap at the ends. my tank flexed 1/32 of an inch when I took the center brace out which is nohing to worry about. I have seen some tanks flex up to a 1/4" and it wasn't a problem. it all depends on the thickness of the glass, and the hight and lenght of the glass.

Steve

[Mech Eng]

In larger tanks glass flexing is normal. However in a small tank like you have if the tank is noticeably (you can tell when looking at it from the side) the glass is aging and starting to weaken (UV light will do this over a period of many years in lower quality or older glass types). Glass gets its strength from its rigidity, as it flexes the strength diminishes. The flexing will also put stress on the silicon glue once aged (silicon losses its flexibility over time with UV light).

In short, replace the tank.

Its always a good time to upgrade to a larger tank when replacing an old one

If you are looking at used, look for a reputable brand and inspect it filled.