[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.:shake:
Either you buy a new one or try to place a centre brace on that tank.

 

[Us5Camp]

Found a new top trim w/Center Brace...

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

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