Center brace on a 55g?

[Steph_D]

I was reading another thread about a center brace on a 55g tank and got to thinking about my tank. I bought it used, but it doesn't look like it ever had a brace on it. When I bought it, it had water in it and I didn't notice any bowing. The glass is 3/8" thick. Should I be concerned?

 

[fishtrap]

What are the dimentions of your tank? That will determine if it's safe or not.

 

[Steph_D]

I'm sorry, it's a 48"x 13"x 21" 55 gallon tank.

 

[fishtrap]

I typically refer to http://www.garf.org/ for reference. The calculator does in fact recommend a center brace for a tank with those dimensions.

Interestingly, I see many off-the-shelf 55's of the same dimension (+center brace) made from 1/4" glass.

If it's been holding water for a while, it could be OK. Personally I'd consider installing a brace -but then again, I do live in earthquake country.

 

[Seleya]

Old 55s don't have a center brace but have much thicker glass as you have noted. If it's in good condition, it should be fine.