Aquarium casing question

[Orple]

Hello all,

I just upgraded to a 45 gallon from a 29 gallon so I could set up a more serious CO2 system for plants. I bought the tank used, but when I got home I found that the plastic divider that runs across the top frame of the tank is cracked through. As I understand it, that piece is there because the 45 gallon tanks are relatively high and need something to stop from bowing out along the top.

My question is this: how vital is this? Is it more of a precaution, or a necessity? In either case, is there any adequate way of fixing it aside from just buying and installing a new plastic casing on the top? I was thinking maybe some sort of plastic sealant or so...

Anyone have experience with this?

Cheers,
Orple

 

[Orple]

I think I found a good solution. I'm going to seal the crack with a plastic sealant, and then drill a hole through either side and bolt a piece of 1" wide plexiglass underneath it using nylon bolts. I may even try to bond the plexiglass to the divider; not sure about that yet. That should more than hold it.

Sry to answer my own question; I'd delete my original if I knew how. Who knows; maybe this will help someone else!

Cheers,
Orple

 

[Jim Miller]

It sounds like this is an acrylic tank. If so the member across the top is likely also acrylic. I'd get another piece of acrylic and the appropriate solvent and sister a new piece to the old. Much stronger than bolting something.

have fun

jim

 

[pat w]

Try Weld-on #16. Kinda thin and runny but bonds acrylic great.

Pat