[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: Aquatic Plants Digest V4 #164
>Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2000 11:56:40 -0800
>From: Hoa Nguyen <nguyenh at nosc_mil>
>Subject: 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
I am confused here. The addition of this support brace caused the cracks?
Should Hoa NOT have added this? If not why not?
Gerry Skau
He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends.
-Oscar Wilde