55 gal center brace failure

[HarleyK]

Yikes, I noticed last night that my center brace connection to the front of the frame had cracked, and there was already a quarter inch gap: The front glass pane was blowing out. Sorry, I didn't take a picture at that time but instead got two pieces of wood and a clamp as fast as I could, as a temporary fix at least for the night. I tightened the clamp to eliminate the gap, not sure if it shows up on the last picture. I am headed out this morning to find a brand new 55 gallon in one of the fish stores around. Wish me luck.

 

[Deadeye]

That happened to me a few years back. I heard a loud pop and didn’t think much of it. I returned a few hours later to find the whole thing bowing out. It was the perfect excuse to upgrade…

 

[kno4te]

Dang that sucks. Good luck!

 

[HarleyK]

. It was the perfect excuse to upgrade…

Haha! The 55 was actually an upgrade from a 33 gal a few years ago. Same footprint, I could keep the stand.
This is the first time I had a tank go bad within just a few years. I'll have to look into a warranty claim. Aqueon has a 5 year replacement warranty on this size tank...

 

[duanes]

I used 2 similar C-clamps on my 180 after an earthquake pulled apart the seams.
They lasted until a stronger quake made the tank unfillable.,

After that tank came apart, I bought one with euro-bracing


The last couple tremors its held up preet well.

 

[HarleyK]

duanes yikes, earthquakes, and fishkeeping don't mix well...

 

[HarleyK]

Out with the old, in with the new

 

[HarleyK]

I normally try out new tanks by filling them up in the garage for several days, just to make sure there isn't a slow leak. I don't have that luxury today, so few hours have to do.

 

[HarleyK]

Just about five hours between putting the plug on the filter to get started on the tank swap and plugging it back in.
Not the way I had planned on spending my Sunday, but much better than mopping the floor.