Thanks for showing an elegant way of getting the old frame off. I’ll have to remember this next time. Because the cross brace breaks eventually. I got the frames off but not as elegant as you did. I’ve replaced the top frame twice on my 55 gallon over 25 years of owning it. One fish has managed to live that long too. The others are all gone but it’s hanging in there.
Were you able to replace it with the fish still in the tank? I have a 120 gallon tank with some fully grown tinfoil barbs and 2 plecostamus. Plus a couple of others. I don't want to have to take them out for too long. In fact they never have been out. I've had the tinfoil barbs for about 20 years.
Thank you for making this video! Same exact initial situation, beside the tank not being in operation 😅. Wish me luck gonna have to down size to back up tanks I have for now till I can work out the time investment/ expense of this project.
Chain stores don't have parts because they don't want you to fix things, they just want you to buy a whole new item. They don't have a passion for the hobbies, they only have a passion for the money involved lol
And there is a lot of fish keepers that swear you can’t fix a brace , some fish keepers told me to throw away a 55g i got for $60 , this video is so helpful
@@chinolaflow5139 I got one for free along with the substrate and the water filter and the heater! Plus lights! I'm going to replace the lights for the newfangled led lights. So much better.
I'm using a 3/4" x 1/8" flat steel rod, bent 90* ~1.5" from both ends... Drain water until the bowed glass pulls back inward far enough to snap this rustproofed bar into place over the frame (front & back), with epoxy. Refill... and it should be stronger than the plastic cross frame itself.
Yes bottoms you can just run the blade under the frame against the glass on the bottom and then down through around the sides. Bottoms are much easier to replace than top frames because the glass doesn't extend down into the frame
Thank you for this video! EXTREMELY HELPFUL! also is there another option then the standard black frame brace, that you can use instead? Maybe a thick piece of glass in the center siliconed? Or something that still safe and strong? Could you do a video on something like that??
Absolutely, you may be able to put euro bracing in place while the old frame is on there then remove the old bracing, though I would still do this at half full
We have a tank that is curved at the front and having a beach of a time figuring out the right measure for the replacement pieces or just replace pieces in general
Hey can you do a video on how to STRAIGHTEN BOWED CENTER BRACE?? I have two on my 180 that needs to be straightened out. There not broke, just some jack off put stuff on top and over time they bowed the center brace down
Interesting, normally if an aquarium does this it's a combination of the weight as well as heat as the heat will allow the plastic to change its shape and the weight is what form is the new shape of the plastic. This is a pretty rare occurrence but can happen sometimes, more commonly when a tank is used for reptiles due to the heat lamps. What I would do to try and fix this would be to put a piece of wood under the brace to lift it up and use a heat gun across the full length of the brace to gently soften the plastic and allow it to retake its original shape. Don't overheat it or it will melt, But once you do this a couple times the plastic should retake its original shape or at least up to where you had the block of wood. One thing to consider would be that rapid heating and cooling of plastics could cause them to become brittle depending on the components used in the plastic.
Hey man, thanks for the videos, very informative 👌🏼 I have a 37 gallon bow front aquarium that I’m looking for a replacement rim for. Do you have any suggestions on where I could find a rim to fit a bow front tank?
Same thing here with a 72 gallon. Looks like you can only get rectangular frames. Mine’s about 25 years old and it isn’t worth the mess it will make if a repair fails. I have a really old 55 gal plate glass tank with no brace to replace it. Looks like everything else today - selection and quality down and prices up.
Should the bottom frame be glued to the glass? I just unsealed mine and there was stoned between the caulking and glass and frame. It appears the last owner tried to reseal it like this and that's why it leaked.
Hi, I have a Perfecto 150 gallon tank, the top brace broke, the measurements are, 72.25" x 18.25",by any chance do you know where I can fin the top frame, I will gladly appreciate your help.
my daughter is a schoolteacher, and she wants to set up this old 125-gallon aquarium that they said used to be in her classroom, but the weird thing is it has no bottom frame just a top frame does the tank have to have a bottom frame? she does not know what happened to bottom frame if somebody took it off to put it in this weird half in the wall half in the room cutout in wall or what.
My tank originally had a glass crossbrace across the middle that broke… is it OK to replace it with this kind of aquarium frame that has the crossbraces built in or do I need to have glass crossbraces cut since that’s what was originally used on the tank?
What size tank is it? If it's a standard size it might be able to first a new frame, if not you'll need to replace with a glass one, was it an oceanic tank?
I have a 55 gallon tank. The frame on top is starting to leak a little bit. I don't have a spare tank. Is there any way to replace the top frame without emptying the tank?
Those dimentions are closer to a 120 or 125 gallon, you'll have to use a 2 cross brace frame as they no longer make single cross brace frames for tanks that large
I have to replace both the top and bottom frames. Should I do one at a time to maintain some sort of integrity for the glass? If so should I do the top or bottom first? I'm thinking maybe the bottom first since I do plan on resealing the tank?
One of the seller listed in the description sells something called a two piece compact frame for 75 gallon aquarium . It’s essentially a big frame cut in half with Center supports in each piece. Do you think it will work? Or should I only go for a single piece frame?
@@TrafishAquatics yeah that’s right. It’s a better deal! I was doubtful whether a split would work or not. Now I can order that with some peace of mind. Thanks so much !
@@jxzy3719 hi I got the frame from over the edge. Just search over the edge aquarium frame. You need to email them about your order. The email ID will be provided in website. They respond quite quickly.
Neither of those places can make a frame for my tank size, that is 60 and 1/8 inches wide by 18 and 5/32 inches deep with center brace. I've been having a heck of a time finding someone who can, is there any other shops you recommend?
So a manufacturer told me once that the only reason there was a cross brace on the bottom is because they use the same mold as for the top. I assume that the bottom glass itself acts as a brace. At any rate, I had two 75 gallon tanks that I cut off the bottom brace in order to paint the bottom as I prefer bare bottom tanks and I never had any trouble with them. I am now thinking of setting up a 125 gallon the same way and wanted to run that by a few people once again and see what they say. So what say you?
Quick question, I just got a new used 125 gallon and the trim is cracked in a couple places but the cross braces are still intact. Does that compromise the structural integrity? Or is it just cosmetic damage. I was hoping to patch with some filler but I don't want to risk the tank breaking. Thanks for any advice.
It should be fine, ive had some with cracked frames and i just put some silicone up under the plastic, there are 2 peice style frames that have splits in them as well
damn i picked up a used 200 gallon and i cannot find a replacement frame for it. glasscages said they dont make any aquariumframewholesale doesnt make any for 24" wide tanks aqueon said they dont sell them by themselves since 2016 and none of the places locally have or can get them. guess im shit out of luck :(
@@TrafishAquatics yeah I thought about that and it would be expensive finding the glass. The supports of the trim aren't broken but it's cracked around the frame of it. I think I'm going to essentially build a wooden trim with supports around the existing plastic one or make one from angeled aluminum.
@@TrafishAquatics thanks for the response. I re-silicone that exact same tank in the vid and then as I was moving it I accidentally grabbed the brace and snapped it. Now I gotta do it all over again to fix that one part. 😭
Update: it’s been a long time since my tank broke and I just installed the top. I used a real thick line of silicone and I hope it holds! This model I have came in 2 parts and has 2 middle frame braces. I’m kind of scared to put a weight in the top to settle the gram in a level place because I don’t want the braces to break. But so far it’s looking good, fits right and easy to install. The only hard part really was trying to cut the old frame off (apparently in NJ. It’s real hard to find a knife like yours that shoots out instead of having a little sharp corner, but Amazon helped me out). Thanks a lot for the video and your help! I hope to put my turtles on his new home soon.
Are you able to replace this with water in the tank? My current tank (65gal) crossbrace broke and I have fish in the tank. I took out half of the water but am unsure of how to replace this with least amount of stress to fish.
The problem with replacing the top frame with fish still in the tank is that the fumes from the silicone are not good for anyone, people or fish. I'm quite sure that breathing too much of the fumes will make a person unwell, so I imagine it could kill your fish. Taking out half of the water will reduce the strain on the tank, which is good temporarily. Once you acquire a new frame you could put your fish into buckets (with loose fitting lids?) in another room each with a heater if required and an airstone for the 48 hours that the silicone requires to cure and off gas (more if it still stinks). The fish don't need lights. I'm not sure about plants, but they may be ok in the tank. I would try to find snails and move most of them if present in case they die and pollute the water. I think that shrimp would be very sensitive to chemicals and would definitely move them. This method is a bit difficult and not without its own risk, but could be a solution to your predicament. Good luck.
Thanks for showing an elegant way of getting the old frame off. I’ll have to remember this next time. Because the cross brace breaks eventually. I got the frames off but not as elegant as you did. I’ve replaced the top frame twice on my 55 gallon over 25 years of owning it. One fish has managed to live that long too. The others are all gone but it’s hanging in there.
Were you able to replace it with the fish still in the tank? I have a 120 gallon tank with some fully grown tinfoil barbs and 2 plecostamus. Plus a couple of others. I don't want to have to take them out for too long. In fact they never have been out. I've had the tinfoil barbs for about 20 years.
I really enjoy your succinct and eloquent way of showing the replacement process. Very helpful.
Your the best at doing this I got a tank today that has the frame broken gonna reseal n reframe with your videos made me feel like I can do it
You're welcome
Where did you get the frame
Good to know, how to video!!! Too bad my 125 is filled up with fish in it. With the upper trim is cracked and will no longer hold the glass tops.
Thank you for making this video! Same exact initial situation, beside the tank not being in operation 😅. Wish me luck gonna have to down size to back up tanks I have for now till I can work out the time investment/ expense of this project.
Very cool I have a free 55 I'm about to do top and bottom frames with a reseal thanks for sharing
You're welcome
Can you please tell me where you get the replacement
Chain stores don't have parts because they don't want you to fix things, they just want you to buy a whole new item. They don't have a passion for the hobbies, they only have a passion for the money involved lol
And there is a lot of fish keepers that swear you can’t fix a brace , some fish keepers told me to throw away a 55g i got for $60 , this video is so helpful
@@chinolaflow5139 I got one for free along with the substrate and the water filter and the heater! Plus lights! I'm going to replace the lights for the newfangled led lights. So much better.
Thanks for another great
Video. 👍🐡🇬🇧
You're welcome
That's fine if you can find the bracket, "good luck"if you have a bowfront tank.
Thank you so much for the information. Really helpful
Your welcome
Simply thank you!
Your welcome
I'm using a 3/4" x 1/8" flat steel rod, bent 90* ~1.5" from both ends... Drain water until the bowed glass pulls back inward far enough to snap this rustproofed bar into place over the frame (front & back), with epoxy. Refill... and it should be stronger than the plastic cross frame itself.
Super informative, thank you!
Your welcome
Woohoo, that move at 11:08! You would have made a great showman with Buffalo Bill's Wild West show!
Right 😆, thanks!
Is it possible to replace the bottom frame too? I got a 125 gallon cheap but it needs some TLC
Yes bottoms you can just run the blade under the frame against the glass on the bottom and then down through around the sides. Bottoms are much easier to replace than top frames because the glass doesn't extend down into the frame
Thank you so much!! I have learned a lot from your videos and I appreciate the content. I resealed this same tank based on resealing guidance too.
You're welcome, Glad you found them helpful!
Thank you for this video! EXTREMELY HELPFUL! also is there another option then the standard black frame brace, that you can use instead? Maybe a thick piece of glass in the center siliconed? Or something that still safe and strong? Could you do a video on something like that??
Yes it's called euro bracing, I can do a video in the future
Thanks so much!
Can do this on a tank with water in it if I drain it down to 50%
I wouldn't, the pressure on the glass without crossbracing could be detrimental to the integrity of the tank.
@@TrafishAquatics do you have any workaround ideas it'd a 350 gallon reef tank
What are the dimensions of that, is it a taller or shorter tank?
@@TrafishAquatics it's tall and also can I switch to euro bracing can't find the regular plastic top for it
Absolutely, you may be able to put euro bracing in place while the old frame is on there then remove the old bracing, though I would still do this at half full
Great Job!
Thank you
Thank you for this video! I thought i had to replace my 90 gallon because the brace was compromised.
Where did you buy your replacement parts?
Just watched your multi tank syndrome "shorts". Good I shared it.
Thank you
6:35 Thought it was gonna bust!
We have a tank that is curved at the front and having a beach of a time figuring out the right measure for the replacement pieces or just replace pieces in general
Since I’m doing a reseal n want the silicon black would the DAP from Home Depot work it’s 100 silicon n 100 waterproof
As long as it doesn't contain any mold inhibitors you should be good to go
Nice I have an old 75 I stopped using because the cross brace broke. Now I just have to convince my wife to let me set it up 😂
Go for it lol
Hey can you do a video on how to STRAIGHTEN BOWED CENTER BRACE?? I have two on my 180 that needs to be straightened out. There not broke, just some jack off put stuff on top and over time they bowed the center brace down
Interesting, normally if an aquarium does this it's a combination of the weight as well as heat as the heat will allow the plastic to change its shape and the weight is what form is the new shape of the plastic. This is a pretty rare occurrence but can happen sometimes, more commonly when a tank is used for reptiles due to the heat lamps. What I would do to try and fix this would be to put a piece of wood under the brace to lift it up and use a heat gun across the full length of the brace to gently soften the plastic and allow it to retake its original shape. Don't overheat it or it will melt, But once you do this a couple times the plastic should retake its original shape or at least up to where you had the block of wood. One thing to consider would be that rapid heating and cooling of plastics could cause them to become brittle depending on the components used in the plastic.
Hey man, thanks for the videos, very informative 👌🏼 I have a 37 gallon bow front aquarium that I’m looking for a replacement rim for. Do you have any suggestions on where I could find a rim to fit a bow front tank?
Did you find one I have 100 gallon bowfront I’m looking for a top frame and support brace as well. Glasscages didn’t carry them.
@@gregbernard5858 no, I ended up getting a new tank, sold my bow front
Same thing here with a 72 gallon. Looks like you can only get rectangular frames. Mine’s about 25 years old and it isn’t worth the mess it will make if a repair fails. I have a really old 55 gal plate glass tank with no brace to replace it. Looks like everything else today - selection and quality down and prices up.
Great video!!!
Thank you
You welcome!!
Should the bottom frame be glued to the glass? I just unsealed mine and there was stoned between the caulking and glass and frame. It appears the last owner tried to reseal it like this and that's why it leaked.
Bottom frame should be siliconed in yes
How do you go about putting the silicone into the bottom brace???
Hi, I have a Perfecto 150 gallon tank, the top brace broke, the measurements are, 72.25" x 18.25",by any chance do you know where I can fin the top frame, I will gladly appreciate your help.
my daughter is a schoolteacher, and she wants to set up this old 125-gallon aquarium that they said used to be in her classroom, but the weird thing is it has no bottom frame just a top frame does the tank have to have a bottom frame?
she does not know what happened to bottom frame if somebody took it off to put it in this weird half in the wall half in the room cutout in wall or what.
Do you have any suggestions for removing trim on bigger tanks like a 150 has pretty thick trim compared to a 55
It can be done the same way but using a hotknife may be an easier route
I know it's been 3 years, but did you put new silicone on top of old silicone inside of that tank?
Nope i stripped it all out and put all new in
I can’t find anywhere online that sells frames.
I called the stores near me n no one sells the Frame n the website that you mention it’s close till may 3
That's unfortunate, sorry to hear
My tank originally had a glass crossbrace across the middle that broke… is it OK to replace it with this kind of aquarium frame that has the crossbraces built in or do I need to have glass crossbraces cut since that’s what was originally used on the tank?
What size tank is it? If it's a standard size it might be able to first a new frame, if not you'll need to replace with a glass one, was it an oceanic tank?
On my 55 gal do I need to drain the water completely or can I keep like 30%? It would be very challenging to catch all these tiny fish
I have a 55 gallon tank. The frame on top is starting to leak a little bit. I don't have a spare tank. Is there any way to replace the top frame without emptying the tank?
Where do I find one for 155 gallon 72x18x21. One brace not 2. I looked everywhere. Can't find one.
Those dimentions are closer to a 120 or 125 gallon, you'll have to use a 2 cross brace frame as they no longer make single cross brace frames for tanks that large
Hi Travis, any recommendations on any other place I can get frames for aquarium. Looks like aquarium frame wholesale website is down. Thanks
i got and 80x40 cm fish tank (42 gallons) can I remove the top frame and make my tank more "modern"?
How long you have to wait to fill up with water , i had to do it with fish in the tank
I have to replace both the top and bottom frames. Should I do one at a time to maintain some sort of integrity for the glass? If so should I do the top or bottom first? I'm thinking maybe the bottom first since I do plan on resealing the tank?
For reference I'm doing a 20 gallon long tank
Where can I buy these frames and replacement cross braces for my 55 gallon aquarium
Glasscages doesn’t sell bow front. Any chance you know a spot that does?
Any suggestions where I can order top and bottom parts for my frame
Links are in the description
One of the seller listed in the description sells something called a two piece compact frame for 75 gallon aquarium . It’s essentially a big frame cut in half with Center supports in each piece. Do you think it will work? Or should I only go for a single piece frame?
It will work, and whats nice is it's cheaper to ship but your going to have trouble getting lids for it unless you make some out of polycarbonate
@@TrafishAquatics yeah that’s right. It’s a better deal! I was doubtful whether a split would work or not. Now I can order that with some peace of mind. Thanks so much !
Your welcome!
@@jxzy3719 hi I got the frame from over the edge. Just search over the edge aquarium frame. You need to email them about your order. The email ID will be provided in website. They respond quite quickly.
I'm about to do this for a 75 gallon but on the bottom of the tank.
Best of luck
5ft x 1.5ft × 2ft.. L×B×H...12mm glass. Should we use bracing in bottom or only top center & side bracing will work good ? Plz reply me 🙏
How can I replace my whole frame all the plastic trim on edges on my 75 gallon tank
Same way I did in this video will work for the top and bottom frames
what about the bottom frame?
Same concept for the bottom frame?
Have you done any bottom frames?
I haven't but it can be done the same way as top and bottom frames are the same.
Neither of those places can make a frame for my tank size, that is 60 and 1/8 inches wide by 18 and 5/32 inches deep with center brace. I've been having a heck of a time finding someone who can, is there any other shops you recommend?
Is that a 5 foot 120 gallon tank?
@@TrafishAquatics thats what we were told when we purchased it used. It's 25 inches high as well
A standard 60x18 frame should fit that tank, You can get it here if you go through their custom order
aquariumframeswholesale.com/custom-frames
Thank you! When I reached out to them they said they didn't make them that size but I will try againm
Would you suggest this on a 72” length frame?
Yes, anytime you have a broken cross brace it's best to replace the frame to help the structural integrity
sent they two contact forms to purchase 2 frames and they still have yet to respond. (Over the edge) are they still in business?
They are but they are behind on orders
where do you buy a frame. i have looked everywhere. no luck. i need a 55 gal that measures 47 x 12 1/2
I’m having the same problems bro lmk if you do find a place to help me out
So a manufacturer told me once that the only reason there was a cross brace on the bottom is because they use the same mold as for the top. I assume that the bottom glass itself acts as a brace. At any rate, I had two 75 gallon tanks that I cut off the bottom brace in order to paint the bottom as I prefer bare bottom tanks and I never had any trouble with them. I am now thinking of setting up a 125 gallon the same way and wanted to run that by a few people once again and see what they say. So what say you?
If your aquarium comes with a brace.. it’s supposed to be there
Don’t trust a “rumor” and risk flooding your house. It’s not worth the risk!
Who can I go threw for replacement trim for a 210 gallon aquarium?
For a tank that size your est vet would be going through a mom and Pop store who has access to manufacturer parts
What about a 150 gallon tank. That the bace has nothing in the middle
Trust your journey
Thank you
How do I order the rim off of the other website?
👍
Both links for the frame don’t seem to work
What size is the tank in this video?
55 gallon
Quick question, I just got a new used 125 gallon and the trim is cracked in a couple places but the cross braces are still intact. Does that compromise the structural integrity? Or is it just cosmetic damage. I was hoping to patch with some filler but I don't want to risk the tank breaking. Thanks for any advice.
It should be fine, ive had some with cracked frames and i just put some silicone up under the plastic, there are 2 peice style frames that have splits in them as well
@@TrafishAquatics ok sweet. Thanks for the response
damn i picked up a used 200 gallon and i cannot find a replacement frame for it. glasscages said they dont make any aquariumframewholesale doesnt make any for 24" wide tanks aqueon said they dont sell them by themselves since 2016 and none of the places locally have or can get them. guess im shit out of luck :(
You can always use glass and do a euro frame
@@TrafishAquatics yeah I thought about that and it would be expensive finding the glass. The supports of the trim aren't broken but it's cracked around the frame of it. I think I'm going to essentially build a wooden trim with supports around the existing plastic one or make one from angeled aluminum.
If the cross braces are in good shape and just the trim is cracked it will likley be ok too
do you have to reseal the tank?
Not always but its usually a good idea
I did everything you did but my glass broke so I have to buy new tank now.😢
Why doesn’t it give me a option to buy a frame from Aqurium frames wholesale
On thier ordering page you have to send them an email inquiry and they will get back to you with options
why do you have to re-silicone the whole thing just to change the top???
You end up damaging the corner seals, you probably could get away with not doing it but i reccomend doing the whole thing
@@TrafishAquatics thanks for the response. I re-silicone that exact same tank in the vid and then as I was moving it I accidentally grabbed the brace and snapped it. Now I gotta do it all over again to fix that one part. 😭
Update: it’s been a long time since my tank broke and I just installed the top. I used a real thick line of silicone and I hope it holds! This model I have came in 2 parts and has 2 middle frame braces. I’m kind of scared to put a weight in the top to settle the gram in a level place because I don’t want the braces to break. But so far it’s looking good, fits right and easy to install. The only hard part really was trying to cut the old frame off (apparently in NJ. It’s real hard to find a knife like yours that shoots out instead of having a little sharp corner, but Amazon helped me out). Thanks a lot for the video and your help! I hope to put my turtles on his new home soon.
Where's the link for revealing? Lolol
Here you go
ruclips.net/video/4UsKwKrgpoc/видео.html
You make it look too easy
Thanks 😆
How do I order from that shit to get to frame for 55gallon
Are you able to replace this with water in the tank? My current tank (65gal) crossbrace broke and I have fish in the tank. I took out half of the water but am unsure of how to replace this with least amount of stress to fish.
The problem with replacing the top frame with fish still in the tank is that the fumes from the silicone are not good for anyone, people or fish. I'm quite sure that breathing too much of the fumes will make a person unwell, so I imagine it could kill your fish.
Taking out half of the water will reduce the strain on the tank, which is good temporarily. Once you acquire a new frame you could put your fish into buckets (with loose fitting lids?) in another room each with a heater if required and an airstone for the 48 hours that the silicone requires to cure and off gas (more if it still stinks). The fish don't need lights. I'm not sure about plants, but they may be ok in the tank. I would try to find snails and move most of them if present in case they die and pollute the water. I think that shrimp would be very sensitive to chemicals and would definitely move them.
This method is a bit difficult and not without its own risk, but could be a solution to your predicament. Good luck.