Is the divider bar important for aquariums?

Question

I have a large aquarium but the divider bar on top where the hood would go is broken. Can I still use it? Can I fill it with water or is that bar structually important? It's just a little plastic thing. Someone gave me this so it's empty now.

Answer 1

Yes it is structurally important.

Do an experiment. Measure across the top of your tank when it is completely empty. Start filling it slowly and watch how much the sides bow out. As the glass bows out it weakens it. It also increases the amount of pressure on the center of the glass. Eventually the glass will fail.

If when you fill up your tank the glass does not bow out or only a small amount such as a 16th or 8th of an inch then you will be fine. However, if it does bow out then empty the tank back down and repair the brace.

You will most likely see ¾ to an inch of bowing with the tank filled since you said you have a large tank.

Braceless aquariums are designed differantly than ones with a brace. They are made to handle the pressures exerted on them without the extra support.

Answer 2

This sounds like you have a tank between 1 and 5 gallons, is that about right? For most tanks it won't do that much. It's meant to prevent the plastic from bowing outward, but if your tank has a piece of trim that surrounds the entire top, the amount of pressure in a tank that size won't allow it to bow very far, so it should be okay for you to use.

If your tank is an Eclipse (maybe some other models as well), however, the bar helps support the filter. Depending on the location of the break, it would be okay to use as long as the filter can be balanced so it stays relatively level.

Answer 3

Well it looks pretty useless but its not, I bought two 55 gallon aquariums about 6 years ago I removed the center strut on one of them about three years ago and last year my aquarium started to leak a little I emptied it out and resiliconed it, however about four months ago I went on a weekend vacation and when I returned my aquarium was empty, my fish were dead, my $250.00 fluval filter burnt out and my carpet had to be replaced. The other aquarium that I bought is still fine. The total cost including capret $3500

Answer 4

It is structurally important on large tanks - it keeps the tank walls from bowing outward and possibly breaking. If the tank is less than 40 gallons it should be ok. If 40 gallons or larger then add a piece of aluminum ( or similar ) bar to reinforce.

Answer 5

It holds up the lamp. Since the tank is long,an extra brace is put on the top to hold the hood.You can put a plastic piece across to help hold the hood.

Answer 6

For the most part they really don't do anything this is more for moving purporses to keep larger tanks from shifting during shippment and very few tanks have these. My 250 doesn't.
Nor my 175 , 75 or 50 Only the 55 bow front has this bar and it is a different make than the others. So it isn't for stability of the tank with water.

How large is the tank?

Answer 7

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Answer 8

You can get a fering strip of wood and make a sub brace. This will hold up the hood light.

Answer 9

Some act as a strut to prevent the walls from bowing under pressure.

Keep an eye on your seams...