Cross-brace on tank

[mbjnt]

So, my salt water tank technically was a thick glass vivarium tank. So it does not have a cross brace on it. The only complication I ran into is tank lid. Its 36x18, which I can find glass lids, but they are always two parts. I have tried making a brace out of plastic from home depot. That bowed and popped from the weight of the glass lid. Then when I built my sump and had scrap glass, I cut a nice glass brace. It worked perfect for about a week until I slipped with the lid closing it and it shatter the brace. Any suggestions? I just really want the lid to work to reduce evaporation rate.

I thought about maybe using aryclic. My main concern if double layer glass broke I will run into same issue of it breaking.

 

[SynDen]

How are you attaching the brace? And how think of glass you using for it.
I know on Oceanic tanks they put a 3/4 piece of glass, that's siliconed into the front and back middle of the tank. This makes for a very strong center brace and if I break or need to replace a brace on a tank this is how I do it. Given the thickness of the glass and a good silicon bond around both ends you will have a very strong brace that should hold up to the weight of the lid and then some.

 

[mbjnt]

Mine with the double layer was about 1/3 inch thick. I silicon bonded the front and back (it held, the glass did not). Was glass I found at Home-Depot (Lowes had none) which I doubled up. Where would be a good place for thicker glass?

 

[Dr.DiSilicate]

Go to a glass shop for thicker glass. Make sure they seam the edges for you as they will be sharp. I'd go with 1/2" or 5/8" whatever they carry. Plate glass not tempered.

 

[SynDen]

Ya that home depot glass is horrible and far to thin, many local glass and mirror places will do cut pieces to order. I believe this is the place I had some panels done for my front door and sump http://www.edgewaterglassinc.com/