Michigan Cichlid Association

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: four_by_ken on April 18, 2013, 06:56:04 AM

Title: Center braces... tanks bowing... really?
Post by: four_by_ken on April 18, 2013, 06:56:04 AM

I thought that the center braces and top plastic on the tanks are more for setting glass tops, etc on than anything else.  They dont really do anything structurally.

Isnt this true?

If a tank has glass that is starting to bow... I would freak and drain the tank immediately.  Glass doesnt bend!

Title: Re: Center braces... tanks bowing... really?
Post by: linuxrulesusa on April 18, 2013, 07:43:15 AM

It depends on the tank but yes it is part of the structure usually.  And yes, if it breaks and you see bowing you have to replace or repair it somehow.

Title: Re: Center braces... tanks bowing... really?
Post by: djlamonica on April 18, 2013, 07:53:06 AM

Glass does bend I had a center brace break on my 90 trust me the glass bows repair your center brace.

Title: Re: Center braces... tanks bowing... really?
Post by: four_by_ken on April 18, 2013, 07:54:22 AM

I dont have the problem.  I just never thought glass would bow enough for you to see it.

I would panic.

Title: Re: Center braces... tanks bowing... really?
Post by: Stan M. on April 18, 2013, 07:57:35 AM

Ken i did panic last night.my 55 tank was bowing 1/2 .not sure how my center brace went out.Quick fix was a wood clamp for now.

Title: Re: Center braces... tanks bowing... really?
Post by: four_by_ken on April 18, 2013, 07:58:28 AM

I learn something new everyday.

Bending glass.   :o

Title: Re: Center braces... tanks bowing... really?
Post by: RichE on April 18, 2013, 08:16:27 AM

Quote from: Stan M. on April 18, 2013, 07:57:35 AM

Ken i did panic last night.my 55 tank was bowing 1/2 .not sure how my center brace went out.Quick fix was a wood clamp for now.

Stan, You cant catch a break

Title: Re: Center braces... tanks bowing... really?
Post by: Steve on April 18, 2013, 08:40:30 AM

I remember about a year ago on a website (think it was chichlid-forum.com) where there was a discussion about the role of the center brace/glass bowing and someone that had a tank they were going to repair the center brace on actually took pics with a tape measure on the tank both empty and full of water. The tank actually did show a solid 1/2" bow when it was full with no center brace.
It doesn't seem like glass would actually bow, but it is true I've seen it happen.