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Acrylic tank
Hi group,
I have a potential problem that may shut down my planted tank, and I hope
you can help. About 6 years ago I set up my 75-gallon acrylic plant
tank. I bought the tank and stand used, for only $80. The stand did not
have a flat supporting surface at the top, but only 2x4's around the
edges. I guess the idea is to let the tank bottom sag in the middle. Not
knowing any better at the time, I added a supporting cross member
connecting the middle of the front and back beams. I think this added a
stress point to the tank (it can't sag in the middle anymore). I found out
my mistake a few years later, but since things were working just fine, I
didn't want to disturb the set up. However, just this past few weeks, my
tank has started to develop cracks. I found 3 small (1/8" diameter)
starburst cracks in the middle of the right side (the clear acrylic piece
wraps around from left to front to right).
I am afraid this is going to lead to the whole tank bursting open soon, and
am seeking advice on what to do.
1. Is there some way I can stop the cracks from spreading? Are there
"acrylic professionals" whom I can hire to repair the cracks?
2. Should I remove the cross piece that I added earlier? I suppose I could
get under the stand and saw off the cross piece without removing the tank
from the stand (that would be a big job and I don't know if lifting up the
tank now would cause it to break open).
Should I just junk the tank ?
Thanks for any advice,
Hoa
___________________________________________________________________________
Hoa G. Nguyen
Freshwater Planted Aquarium: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/2637/