150 Gallon Glass Tank Bows Out 1/2" When Filled

I found a 150 gallon tank in the street...I filled it with hot tap water to test the seal and to remove the gunk and salt from the previous owner...the top frame was already cracked...but now there is a gap... I see that now that its filled there is a 1/2" bow in the glass...is this dangerous or is the glass flexible enough to handle the pressure?

 

Yikes. That would worry me. That “bow” is the main reason for the bracing bar across the middle. Maybe you could improvise some sort of clamp across the top to hold it in place, otherwise I wouldn’t take the chance.

 

Not safe! I'm guessing that is why it was thrown away. There are some that say you can fix a center brace...I don't want 150 gallons of water on my floor.

 

how to replace frame How To Replace The Top Frame Of An Aquarium

 

DIY- center brace repair

 

This is my personal feeling on DIY when a fish tank appears "broken": how much is a new one vs. how much will it cost to clean up and replace everything that the water and broken glass will ruin when the tank shatters all over my room? That's just me though and I know plenty of people fix things and have no problems.

 

its amazing how a thin strip of plastic holds that much pressure back from the glass....I think I'm gonna replace the frame...a saw a few online cheap....

I filled the tank up in my shop at work.. I'm not back there until 2 days from now... I'm gonna have to pray to poseidon for some extra stregnth in the tank....if it bursts at least it won't ruin anything but my plans

 

Top frames/braces are an easy fix. Super easy if you have a welder. Theres many options for either a OEM replacement or fabricate your own.