Tank still good?

cbass488 · 02/22/2021, 12:11 PM

I just pulled an old 90 gal out of the garage. My plan is to use it as a sump for my new set up. The plastic rim around the top is cracked significantly in a couple places. Is the plastic rim there to keep the walls together? Or was it there for aesthetics? Can I use as it or do I need to replace this plastic rim before I fill with water?

Timfish · 02/22/2021, 04:24 PM

That depends on who manfactued it. If it's an original Oceanic then the trim is not structural and is mostly for protectong the edges anf making a lip to keep covers in place. Most other manufacurers yhe plastic frame is structural and the tank will need appropriate bracing to minimize failure if the trim is cracked, broken or missing.

cbass488 · 02/22/2021, 09:14 PM

Not sure on the manufacturer. I did read about bracing with a piece of glass and silicone. Going to need to add baffles anyways. Will glass held to the sides with silicone actually hold tight enough to brace against bowing?

Timfish · 02/23/2021, 07:57 AM

Yes, but make sure to leave a 1mm gap in the joints for the silicone.

cbass488 · 02/23/2021, 10:26 AM

Cool, thank you very much! I wouldn’t have expected silicone to hold that tight.

02/22/2021, 12:11 PM	#1
cbass488 Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 52	Tank still good? I just pulled an old 90 gal out of the garage. My plan is to use it as a sump for my new set up. The plastic rim around the top is cracked significantly in a couple places. Is the plastic rim there to keep the walls together? Or was it there for aesthetics? Can I use as it or do I need to replace this plastic rim before I fill with water?

02/22/2021, 04:24 PM	#2
Timfish Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,870	That depends on who manfactued it. If it's an original Oceanic then the trim is not structural and is mostly for protectong the edges anf making a lip to keep covers in place. Most other manufacurers yhe plastic frame is structural and the tank will need appropriate bracing to minimize failure if the trim is cracked, broken or missing. __________________ "Our crystal clear aquaria come nowhere close to the nutrient loads that swirl around natural reefs" Charles Delbeek

02/23/2021, 07:57 AM	#4
Timfish Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,870	Yes, but make sure to leave a 1mm gap in the joints for the silicone. __________________ "Our crystal clear aquaria come nowhere close to the nutrient loads that swirl around natural reefs" Charles Delbeek

02/22/2021, 09:14 PM	#3
cbass488 Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 52	Not sure on the manufacturer. I did read about bracing with a piece of glass and silicone. Going to need to add baffles anyways. Will glass held to the sides with silicone actually hold tight enough to brace against bowing?

02/23/2021, 10:26 AM	#5
cbass488 Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 52	Cool, thank you very much! I wouldn’t have expected silicone to hold that tight.