100 Gallon with no center bracing. Is this right?

[wildosworld]

It doesnt look like any brace is missing....It appears as though this is how the tank was built. Heres a couple of pics. Glass seems to be 1/2 inch and everything is dirty (please excuse the mess!). Thoughts?1362596448928.jpg1362596522385.jpg

[KhmerStyle]

My 100g is 3/8 thick measure and make sure its 1/2 inch if it is it should work older tanks come with thicker glass which doesn't need brace for bowing. The trim is enough. But if it is 3/8 I would say add a center brace you dont want 800lbs of water to come crashing out

[ptran]

Looks like it's missing the center brace. I have a 100 gal tank, and it has a piece of glass brace that is glued to the middle of the long side. This brace also helps supporting the two glass top that came with my tank.

[cobraden]

The need for a brace is determined by glass thickness. I once found a chart online that gave recommendations for when a brace should be used when building aquariums. Using thinner (less expensive) glass and a brace can many times reduce the cost of an aquarium significantly.

double check the thickness of the glass and see if you can locate a tank building chart that talks about braces. If it is 1/2 pr thicker, you will probably be just fine.

[wildosworld]

Good to know. Thanks guys! When I fill it the first time, I plan to do it outside and let it sit for a couple of days before bringing in.

Ptran: Well, the guy I bought it from had siliconed a piece of plexi in the center to put a light on because he last had used the tank for turtles. He used suspended lighting when u used it for fresh and salt water before that. I never even thought to ask about a brace until after the fact.

[wildosworld]

Just re-measured and it is 3/8. So, where do I get a center brace at? Whats the best way to install it?

[cobraden]

If you weld or know someone that does, I'd just make a metal one. I removed the glass brace of my 150 reef tank so that I could get better light penetration. bought some angle iron and round rod from Home Depot, cut it to length and had a buddy weld the 4 pieces together for a six pack of beer....3 of which I drank during the welding & BS session.

I had mine powder coated due to it being over saltwater but I could have easily painted it. Including the powder coating and beer I think it cost me under 50 bucks.

on tank prior to powder coating

[prostreet69camaro]

If you want something welded I have a mig welder. I live off Louetta and 249.

[wildosworld]

Are you free this weekend? I may take you up on that if I can figure out a solution before then! I'll bring the beer! :-)

[cobraden]

I charge a 1 beer idea fee Just kidding. It's a great solution and I'm very happy with it. It also improves access to the tank over the traditional glass center brace.

[wildosworld]

Haha. I'll gladly pay it! Now I just gotta see if Mr Prostreet69camaro is free this weekend! Haha

[prostreet69camaro]

Haha. I'll gladly pay it! Now I just gotta see if Mr Prostreet69camaro is free this weekend! Haha

Sorry I won't be available this weekend. I work offshore and wont be home till the 17th. But if you still need it welded then let me know.

[troy tucker]

Thats a cool fix for the center brace.

[prostreet69camaro]

Sorry I won't be available this weekend. I work offshore and wont be home till the 17th. But if you still need it welded then let me know.

Did you get the brace made for your tank?

[wildosworld]

Well, no...But I had a guy come by this morning actually to look at it. He owns a pet store and said it should be just fine. I think next week will be test week.....outside, of course! lol