Should i be concerned about this separation of the top frame?

[somechinesereefer]

Have had this tank in storage forever waiting for the right time, so I don't know if this is new, but I noticed a crack in the wooden frame at the top of my 50g breeder. Is this a cause for concern?

 

[Sleepydoc]

does it have a cross brace?

 

[theMeat]

How big is tank

was it ever used

how is opposing corner

 

[somechinesereefer]

does it have a cross brace?

no cross brace, 50 gallon tank

 

[somechinesereefer]

How big is tank

was it ever used

how is opposing corner

it was used maybe 10 years ago, not by me. opposing corner has no issues, 50 gallon tank

 

[X-37B]

I would fill it with epoxy if you are going to use it.

 

[CuzzA]

It may be just your picture, but it appears that was a pretty good impact from whatever hit it and the silicone is compromised just under the brace. If it's just the picture playing tricks and the silicone is fine, I'd inject some black 3M 5200 into the split on the frame only and it would take an act of God to get it to come apart. Leak test for a month and see what happens.

 

[CuzzA]

I would fill it with epoxy if you are going to use it.

Epoxy is actually pretty weak and brittle without some reinforcement like fiberglass. Uncoated epoxy is also very susceptible to UV degradation.

 

[theMeat]

If the tank was used then stored I’d be hesitant to use it.
if it was never used then stored should be ok.
If you’re going to use it anyway fill it and check for any flex or stress/opening in that crack area.
“Amazing Goop” plumbers version, available at Lowe’s is as it’s named. I’d use that, and check over silicone real good, making sure it’s not hardened, since it was once used.

 

[Thaxxx]

How about just filling it.... Then wait a couple weeks and see.

 

[ca1ore]

You sure the rim is wood? Don’t think I’ve ever seen a tank with a wooden frame, even back in the old metaframe days when the tank bottoms were slate. Good news is that other than cross braces, the upper frame plays very little role in structural integrity.

 

[Sleepydoc]

You sure the rim is wood? Don’t think I’ve ever seen a tank with a wooden frame, even back in the old metaframe days when the tank bottoms were slate. Good news is that other than cross braces, the upper frame plays very little role in structural integrity.

It's absolutely not wood!