38 Gallon Aquarium - Center Top/Support Strap Missing - Bow

Us5Camp

We recently bought a used aquarium from a work collegue.
We've come to find out the 38 gallon aquarium should have a center support strap to hold the 36" long side straight.

The center/top strap or brace between the front and back panes is missing.
We've filled the tank today and the tank is bowed more than 3/8 of an inch.
It's noticable and makes us nervous, though the previous owners tell us they have been without the center brace for "years".

Please advise... is this tank stable? Should I be looking for a new tank?
This is a 36 x 12 x 20" tank I think it's technically a 38 gallong.

joeshmoe

i would not use the tank u dont no what can happen and being old with no support is even worse.

Lupin

Unfortunately, it could become unstable with time. Without the centre brace, your tank will appear to indeed bow and may cause a leak.
Either you buy a new one or try to place a centre brace on that tank.:)

Us5Camp

Thanks all for your replies.

Today, I found a new top trim piece for the tank (entire top plastic of the tank with center strap/brace. Cost me 1/4 of a new tank.

I had to do some work to get the old top trim off the tank, and install the new trim piece.

Now question is, how long do I need to let the silicone cure w/o fear of harm to the fish (which we do not own yet... will start slow!) ??

joeshmoe

i would a day or two