125 gallon tank missing center braces

hookedonfishtanks

72"X18"X22"
I got this tank for free, it came with a stand and a canopy, the guy who had it before used it for three years as a salt water tank, he upgraded his tank and didn't need this one anymore. My problem is the tank had two braces near the center and they are gone, looks like they were broken off, what is on it right now is two metal bars with screws on the end of each, I assume he used this as the center support.

I have asked many different pet store employees and have gotten mixed answers, some said it's fine the way it is, others say that the canopy will make up for the braces being gone, some say replace the entire top trim.

Does anyone have any advice, should I keep it as is, try and buy a new trim or just replace the bracing a different way?

Thanks in advance for your help.

1077

Personally, I would not care for the combination of metal and condensation . If I could I would try and eliminate the metal.

Puffer

Well i had the same problem. I was given a 55Gal tank and the center plasic was broken so i used a thick threaded metal rod with a flat pieces on each end to grab the plasic edging like this {---------------} With locking nuts on each end of the rod then painted it it when i had everything set and it worked out for me ,Its up and running today with it and i did this 5yrs ago

okiemavis

Metal's not something you want to use with a saltwater tank, but if you're switching to fresh it sounds like you're all set.

hookedonfishtanks

Thanks everyone. It's going to be a fresh water tank.

herefishy

Oxidation, not condensation, would still be a concern even in a freshwater tank. Look for a tag somewhere, usually on the bottom, on the tank that would have the manufacturers name and address. I had a 180g Perfecto and they shipped me a complete top molding. That molding had the supports.

hookedonfishtanks

Thanks for the info. I will go and look for the tag tonight and see if I can contact the company.