Used tank minor issue!

[miserkris]

Hey guys,
Iam new to fish , esp. s/w fish. I got an used 55g tank....
Just filled up tank with water and 1cup of bleach. It doesnt leak ! But did notice that there is a plastic like black thing like a foot ruler , that connects the front and back at the top edges(middle). In the front connection (imagine an inverted T as you see from front), the intersection / connection has a minor inch long crack, about a few mm wide and I can see the water thru that ! I think its not new , but could it be caused by my moving the tank? Should I be concerned ? Should I fix it?

What do I do? ... But I am glad it aint leaking
Thx..kris

[Ninong]

Hi Kris,




I think you're describing the center cross brace. That's extremely important and must be in good condition or you will run the risk of catastrophic failure of the tank after it is filled with water and pressure is exerted on the front glass. The front glass will bow out if the cross brace is removed and it will eventually fail -- either by cracking or simply by blowing out. If the center brace is already cracked, it will eventually fail.

I wouldn't start with a used 55-gal tank if I were you unless you know everything about that tank. In particular, was it previously used as a saltwater or a freshwater aquarium? Using a freshwater tank for a saltwater aquarium requires that you really clean the tank very well first, using a strong vinegar wash, followed by rinsing and then a strong bleach wash, followed by lots of rinsing.

You will soon learn that the cost of the tank itself is very little compared to the cost of the entire setup. Another point is that 55-gal tanks are not nearly as easy to work with for a reef aquarium as 75-gal tanks. The 55-gal size doesn't have enought front-to-back space to arrange the live rock.

It's going to cost you well over $1,000 before you are finished getting everything you need for this 55-gal tank and not much more if you had started with a 75-gal. Just something to think about.

[miserkris]

I have attached a pic for the issue. Pls suggest a good DIY solution

Since its plastic can I clamp it and fill crack area with epoxy or CA or modellers plastic cement?
thx

Picasa Web Albums - 11228982334907663... - Saltwater Fis...

[Ninong]

In my opinion, that tank is not fit to use for an aquarium. It's too risky. You will lose a lot more than the cost of the tank if it fails after you have it filled with corals and fish.

[CashFan83]

I would look into local classifieds and Craigslist for your area you may not get the tank free but you can usually get it a great deal with patience and if you're willing to put work into. I got both my tanks and even some livestock that way. A tank with a defect that bad in the center brace is way too risky. Short of getting a whole new top I would just find a differnt tank. You would be risking the life of any livestock you put in it. You would also be risking a small flood in your home which is even less fun that cleaning a good condition used tank.Good luck with whatever you decide.

[miserkris]

Hi
You are right I sold it for $30 in CL and bought a marineland 55g NEW for $96 ! Now I am at peace!