BAD BAD *** Broken Center Brace ***

knockout · 10/25/2009, 08:20 PM

Ok, this is not a good one... my center brace which seems to be two pieces is broken, I believe this happened about a week ago when I placed a light on top of the center brace to see how much light would come thru the glass as I have a low light area back there, I left the light running for a few hours at most, I was sitting in front of the tank when I heard a loud pop... I looked everywhere I could not find the source of the pop, couple of days ago I was cleaning on the top of the tank when I saw it... first reaction was *** suddenly it stroke me, the light, must have gotten so hot on one side and then cold in the other it pop the glass, the break was not all the way thru, but today upon further review the break is all the way thru and the piece of glass is just being held by a piece of wood that I have to prevent fish from jumping onto the center brace (its happened twice already)

Tank is Oceanic Ultimate 215 gallons

here is a picture and a drawing

the blue scribbled areas are still in position and seem to be doing the job, the red is the broken now separated part

here is the picture

what can be done, does Oceanic have a repair service or does anyone provide that service for them?

I will call them first thing tomorrow but in the mean time any feel free to chime in...

Shane Hoffman · 10/25/2009, 08:59 PM

center braces are easy to replace. Simply re enforce the tank with a large wood wrkers clamp next to the center brace. Scrape out the silicone holding it in. Get a piece of glass cut to the same dimensions. Re silicone it in the same manner as the original. Wait 24 to 48 hours and slowly release clamp while watching silicone to make sure it holds. Ive never seen one not hold, I still watch closely though. The fix should be less than 20 bucks. I dout the warranty will cover it if you even have one.....unless you dont mention it being because you placed a light directly on it......good luck.

Mikeeal · 10/25/2009, 09:08 PM

+1 ^^^ I've done this many a dinner table, works great. Make sure you get all the old silicone off first.

knockout · 10/26/2009, 01:00 AM

the warranty on the tank was voided the day I bought it since I did not use their stand so no help there no big deal my main concern is getting it fixed

lordofthereef · 10/26/2009, 02:17 AM

You drawing made me cry.

adtravels · 10/26/2009, 03:10 AM

I too am struggling with the drawing.

knockout · 10/26/2009, 11:10 AM

does any one know if the center brace is two pieces of glass or just one?
will i be able to replace the piece of glass while the tank is full or at least half full of water?

the drawing c'mon I am no artist the part in blue is still good the part in red is the broken piece the curved line represents the brake

Lightsluvr · 10/26/2009, 11:16 AM

The brace on a 180G that I had was a single piece of glass with a plastic-covered metal strip running down the middle. You might want to cosider a long wood clamp to hold your front and back wall in perfect configuration while you are removing the old brace...

Just a thought.

LL

subielover · 10/26/2009, 11:22 AM

I can't help you Kelvin, but sorry to hear about this. Hopefully it gets fixed soon.

Mentat · 10/26/2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knockout

...will i be able to replace the piece of glass while the tank is full or at least half full of water?

The wood working clamps members are referring to, are also known as "Jorgesen Bar Clamps" or "Pipe Clamps." Essentially they are able to spread the "mouth" over a long distance. Adjusting and placing 1 each across tank on both sides of center brace will hold tension created by water pressure while center brace is removed and replaced. Make sure glue is "working pressure" dry before removing clamps.

BTW, would get and use those clamps now, if center brace fails before you repair; the stress may affect tank integrity.

knockout · 11/03/2009, 01:22 PM

a little update, I've had the tank clamped down since I posted here and, I've been talking to Central Pet, who now owns apparently every tank maker out there, the tank I have is discontinued, they have offered to replace the tank with an all-glass aquarium which they also own, it will be a 210 instead of a 215, dont know what I would do without the extra 5g :x lol
the one thing I do lose is starphire glass in the front which sucks because that was the only reason I paid an extra $400 for the tank, they tell me is fairly easy to replace the center brace, but I think I want the peace of mind of having an intact tank in my living room rather than a repaired tank

so new tank with no worries and no starphire, and A LOT OR WORK TO GET IT MOVED
or
old repaired tank with worries, no moving at least not that much

what do you think I am over stressing about the repair, is it fairly simple and safe?

john rochon · 11/03/2009, 01:27 PM

repair the brace, its easy. and do you also have the euro bracing along both long panels?

john rochon · 11/03/2009, 01:30 PM

couple questions, why is there wood beside that brace?
is the cross brace attached to the tank panels or a eurobraced piece? reason I asked is I attached my cross braces right ontop of the euro bracing.

knockout · 11/03/2009, 01:33 PM

the center brace is attached to the tank panels
no euro bracing on this tank is a stock tank, the wood on the side prevent fish from jumping into the 20" wide center brace to certain death (happened twice before I did that)

agsansoo · 11/03/2009, 01:38 PM

I think this is more common occurrence than you think, on large tanks. Can you pay some one to do the repair for you. Someone who has done this before ? (Central Pet)

eznet2u · 11/03/2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordofthereef

You drawing made me cry.

knockout · 11/03/2009, 01:42 PM

I don't think they do repairs, I contacted a tank maker in NJ and don't repair either, I could pay someone local I guess but how much and then I would need to make sure that I would be reimbursed by Central Pet, the glass piece alone is about a $100

knockout · 11/03/2009, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eznet2u

sorry it wasnt my intention

agsansoo · 11/03/2009, 02:05 PM

Even if you do get a new tank (no starphire glass)... nothing guaranties that a few years down the line the center brace silicone doesn't loosen up, and your in the same boat all over again. I would repair it. The big question is, what does the wife think about 215 gallons of water in her living room !

SkyPapa · 11/03/2009, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knockout

.... the glass piece alone is about a $100

Sounds kinda high. I bought 6 square feet of 3/8 in. glass locally for $44.

knockout · 11/03/2009, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyPapa

Sounds kinda high. I bought 6 square feet of 3/8 in. glass locally for $44.

the quote I got was $80+tax, its 1/2" nobody local even stocks it, it has to be special ordered

knockout · 11/03/2009, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agsansoo

Even if you do get a new tank (no starphire glass)... nothing guaranties that a few years down the line the center brace silicone doesn't loosen up, and your in the same boat all over again. I would repair it. The big question is, what does the wife think about 215 gallons of water in her living room !

as long as in the tank she is fine with it!

Shane Hoffman · 11/03/2009, 10:22 PM

The brace really is easy to replace. Even if you have no glass experience you can do it. Also I wouldnt go through the hassle of a switch over and lose of starfire.

TeePee · 11/04/2009, 12:10 PM

If they give you the replacement, will they let you keep the old one?

That's the course of action I'd pursue! Then you could have 425 gallons in the living room!!

mesamech · 11/04/2009, 12:42 PM

I went though something quite similar 6 months ago, I opted for the new tank.

10/25/2009, 08:20 PM	#1
knockout Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Poconos, PA Posts: 228	BAD BAD * Broken Center Brace * Ok, this is not a good one... my center brace which seems to be two pieces is broken, I believe this happened about a week ago when I placed a light on top of the center brace to see how much light would come thru the glass as I have a low light area back there, I left the light running for a few hours at most, I was sitting in front of the tank when I heard a loud pop... I looked everywhere I could not find the source of the pop, couple of days ago I was cleaning on the top of the tank when I saw it... first reaction was * suddenly it stroke me, the light, must have gotten so hot on one side and then cold in the other it pop the glass, the break was not all the way thru, but today upon further review the break is all the way thru and the piece of glass is just being held by a piece of wood that I have to prevent fish from jumping onto the center brace (its happened twice already) Tank is Oceanic Ultimate 215 gallons here is a picture and a drawing the blue scribbled areas are still in position and seem to be doing the job, the red is the broken now separated part here is the picture what can be done, does Oceanic have a repair service or does anyone provide that service for them?** I will call them first thing tomorrow but in the mean time any feel free to chime in... __________________ Kelvin. Current Tank Info: 215g DT, 75g sump and lots of fish

10/25/2009, 08:59 PM	#2
Shane Hoffman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: 45 mins from Chicago Posts: 738	center braces are easy to replace. Simply re enforce the tank with a large wood wrkers clamp next to the center brace. Scrape out the silicone holding it in. Get a piece of glass cut to the same dimensions. Re silicone it in the same manner as the original. Wait 24 to 48 hours and slowly release clamp while watching silicone to make sure it holds. Ive never seen one not hold, I still watch closely though. The fix should be less than 20 bucks. I dout the warranty will cover it if you even have one.....unless you dont mention it being because you placed a light directly on it......good luck. __________________ A wise man once said "Never play leap frog with a unicorn" Current Tank Info: 150 gallon glass with 20 gallon sump, 175lbs of coraline covered live rock, EuroReef skimmer rated for 250gal, 25watt Aqua UV sterilizer, Fluval FX5, Hamilton 3x250watt MH, 160 watt Blue actinic....Mixed reef

10/25/2009, 09:08 PM	#3
Mikeeal In Yo FACE ! ! ! ! ! ! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 1,245	+1 ^^^ I've done this many a dinner table, works great. Make sure you get all the old silicone off first. __________________ "The leanest burger in the world!!! can be the MEEEAANEST burger in the world..if you cook it that way......" Current Tank Info: 220 MIXED REEF, 125 FOWLR being built, 110 "light mix", 10 NANO

10/26/2009, 01:00 AM	#4
knockout Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Poconos, PA Posts: 228	the warranty on the tank was voided the day I bought it since I did not use their stand so no help there no big deal my main concern is getting it fixed __________________ Kelvin. Current Tank Info: 215g DT, 75g sump and lots of fish

10/26/2009, 02:17 AM	#5
lordofthereef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,443	You drawing made me cry. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself." Current Tank Info: 10g DIY nano + 150 build in the works

10/26/2009, 03:10 AM	#6
adtravels Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In between all things known and unknown (bangkok) Posts: 2,241	I too am struggling with the drawing. __________________ False facts are highly injurious to the progress of science, for they often endure long; but false views supported by some evidence, do little harm, for every one takes a salutary pleasure in proving their falseness. Current Tank Info: 60gal cube, Vortech mp40w x2, 400 watt 12k reeflux MH with lumenmax reflector, 55watt act, octo extreme 160 skimmer, ehiem compact 5000 return, etc, chiller, and 55 gal Onyx percula and gigentea species tank

10/26/2009, 11:10 AM	#7
knockout Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Poconos, PA Posts: 228	does any one know if the center brace is two pieces of glass or just one? will i be able to replace the piece of glass while the tank is full or at least half full of water? the drawing c'mon I am no artist the part in blue is still good the part in red is the broken piece the curved line represents the brake __________________ Kelvin. Current Tank Info: 215g DT, 75g sump and lots of fish

10/26/2009, 11:16 AM	#8
Lightsluvr Tangaroa to 500 gallons Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Oklahoma America Posts: 4,077	The brace on a 180G that I had was a single piece of glass with a plastic-covered metal strip running down the middle. You might want to cosider a long wood clamp to hold your front and back wall in perfect configuration while you are removing the old brace... Just a thought. LL __________________ George Adkins 2010 President Central Oklahoma Marine Aquarium Society http://www.mycomas.com/about-comas-mainmenu-26 Click on my username and select "Lightsluvr's Home Page" for a recap of our build thread - AGE Hybrid Tank in a 500G system with dedicated fish room. Leave a note if you stop by... Current Tank Info: 350G AGE Hybrid reef tank. 500G total water volume. Barracuda Gold return and closed loop pumps. Dual sumps. DIY T5 light system on rails. LRC CA reactor. MP40W x2 to supplement closed loop. Water management system.

10/26/2009, 11:22 AM	#9
subielover Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 58	I can't help you Kelvin, but sorry to hear about this. Hopefully it gets fixed soon. __________________ 40 breeder: Mixed reef Biocube 14: LPS and zoanthids

11/03/2009, 01:22 PM	#11
knockout Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Poconos, PA Posts: 228	a little update, I've had the tank clamped down since I posted here and, I've been talking to Central Pet, who now owns apparently every tank maker out there, the tank I have is discontinued, they have offered to replace the tank with an all-glass aquarium which they also own, it will be a 210 instead of a 215, dont know what I would do without the extra 5g :x lol the one thing I do lose is starphire glass in the front which sucks because that was the only reason I paid an extra $400 for the tank, they tell me is fairly easy to replace the center brace, but I think I want the peace of mind of having an intact tank in my living room rather than a repaired tank so new tank with no worries and no starphire, and A LOT OR WORK TO GET IT MOVED or old repaired tank with worries, no moving at least not that much what do you think I am over stressing about the repair, is it fairly simple and safe? __________________ Kelvin. Current Tank Info: 215g DT, 75g sump and lots of fish Last edited by knockout; 11/03/2009 at 01:28 PM.

11/03/2009, 01:27 PM	#12
john rochon Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: canada Posts: 2,012	repair the brace, its easy. and do you also have the euro bracing along both long panels?

11/03/2009, 01:30 PM	#13
john rochon Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: canada Posts: 2,012	couple questions, why is there wood beside that brace? is the cross brace attached to the tank panels or a eurobraced piece? reason I asked is I attached my cross braces right ontop of the euro bracing.

11/03/2009, 01:33 PM	#14
knockout Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Poconos, PA Posts: 228	the center brace is attached to the tank panels no euro bracing on this tank is a stock tank, the wood on the side prevent fish from jumping into the 20" wide center brace to certain death (happened twice before I did that) __________________ Kelvin. Current Tank Info: 215g DT, 75g sump and lots of fish

11/03/2009, 01:38 PM	#15
agsansoo Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Downey,CA Posts: 1,230	I think this is more common occurrence than you think, on large tanks. Can you pay some one to do the repair for you. Someone who has done this before ? (Central Pet) __________________ Andy Current Tank Info: Barebottom, 65 Bow-Front, 20 gal sump/fuge, octo extreme 160, (2) Lumen Max3 250W w/ ReefLux 12K and (1) VorTech MP40w

11/03/2009, 01:42 PM	#17
knockout Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Poconos, PA Posts: 228	I don't think they do repairs, I contacted a tank maker in NJ and don't repair either, I could pay someone local I guess but how much and then I would need to make sure that I would be reimbursed by Central Pet, the glass piece alone is about a $100 __________________ Kelvin. Current Tank Info: 215g DT, 75g sump and lots of fish

11/03/2009, 02:05 PM	#19
agsansoo Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Downey,CA Posts: 1,230	Even if you do get a new tank (no starphire glass)... nothing guaranties that a few years down the line the center brace silicone doesn't loosen up, and your in the same boat all over again. I would repair it. The big question is, what does the wife think about 215 gallons of water in her living room ! __________________ Andy Current Tank Info: Barebottom, 65 Bow-Front, 20 gal sump/fuge, octo extreme 160, (2) Lumen Max3 250W w/ ReefLux 12K and (1) VorTech MP40w

11/03/2009, 10:22 PM	#23
Shane Hoffman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: 45 mins from Chicago Posts: 738	The brace really is easy to replace. Even if you have no glass experience you can do it. Also I wouldnt go through the hassle of a switch over and lose of starfire. __________________ A wise man once said "Never play leap frog with a unicorn" Current Tank Info: 150 gallon glass with 20 gallon sump, 175lbs of coraline covered live rock, EuroReef skimmer rated for 250gal, 25watt Aqua UV sterilizer, Fluval FX5, Hamilton 3x250watt MH, 160 watt Blue actinic....Mixed reef

11/04/2009, 12:10 PM	#24
TeePee Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: VA Posts: 21	If they give you the replacement, will they let you keep the old one? That's the course of action I'd pursue! Then you could have 425 gallons in the living room!!

11/04/2009, 12:42 PM	#25
mesamech Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 55	I went though something quite similar 6 months ago, I opted for the new tank. __________________ Don’t eat bats. "And these you shall detest among the birds; they shall not be eaten; they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture, the kite, the falcon of any kind,… and the bat.” Current Tank Info: 120gal reef