the next step

[reeves2k2]

As i have my tank drained down waiting for my overflow to cure i think now would be the right time to remove and replace the brace bar

as you can see its massive ugly and pi***n me off what would be the best way to go about this as i dont want plastic filling all in the tank as its stocked and could harm fish etc

any tips on removing and best way to re-brace would be appreciated

[Gaters]

Firstly don't remove the brace bar until you have the new one(s) in place!:eek::eek::eek:

[reeves2k2]

what would be the best way to go about re-bracing it though thats the bit im stuck on i was going to whip it out before because the tank is only half full at the mo

[Buster]

Firstly don't remove the brace bar until you have the new one(s) in place!:eek::eek::eek:

Top Tip.! Been there done that.:mad:

[reeves2k2]

anyone have any ideas????

[MR Teee]

Is all that black stuff plastic? sat infront of the glass? how is it bonded?

[reeves2k2]

yeah its all a plastic sort of trim i think its siliconed in place i dont fancy removing it all though

[MR Teee]

I was thinking more around where the brace bar is.

Remove 4 " of the plastic, stick a piece of 4" long 2" wide glass to the back of the tank and the front. Place a 4" wide piece between them and silicone in.

Use some sort of brace to replace the black plastic one whilst you are fitting the glass and waiting for the silicone to cure.

[reeves2k2]

yeah i was going to do it today but got too impatient and filled the tank again will do it on the nect water change

i dont need to hack away the plastic because i could do the glass brace just under it and my water level when full would just be below that

my only concern when i do this is the silicone & glass going to be sufficient to support the tank without it bursting and ripping the silicone away presumable a full tank would want to "bow out" thus pulling the silicone away

[MR Teee]

Its how most tanks are braced, my 5'er was the same, and that held fine.