Frame on top

Question
Hi I have a 55 gl fish tank the plastic frame in the middle is cracking no one seems to replace this or does repairs and this not anything I know about .Is there anything I can do or do you know of any aquarium place in my area that does this? the piece is plastic,I live in Waukesha wis just outside of Milwaukee

Answer
Hello Mary,
since this is a larger tank its a good idea to do this right.
so, first thing, find the mfg of the tank, ie All Glass, Perfecto etc...
order the top plastic surround which will give you the complete top plastic piece.
you will have to do one of two things, drain the tank totally or drain it about 80% down.
Save the water in a garbage can with a new clear plastic non treated liner..
remove the old plastic with a putty knife under the edges to released the silicone seal..
once that is off, clear the old silicone with a razor blade...use a stanley knife, dont hold the blade with your fingers...
wipe the edges of the glass with alcohol to clear away the film residue from the silicone.
turn the new plastic piece upside down and use a calking gun to line the inside with silicone in the channel that fits over the glass sides...you can use clear bathtub silicone, same size as a tube of calk...fits right into the gun...don;t over fill...
fit top over glass sides and press into place...you could weight it down if you wish...any silicone that drips down the sides can be cleaned up later with a razor blade.
The alternative is to break down the tank, save all gravel, water, etc...follow the same procedure as above except when you place the top on the tank, turn the whole tank upside down so the weight of the tank is on the new top piece...again, clear any excess silicone from sides with razor blade...
this sounds a whole lot harder than it actually is..if you take your time and don;t get stressed its pretty easy...makes no difference if you breake the old top...its useless anyway.
If you are not comfortable with that, ask a local independent shop if they would do it for you..or recommend someone.
Good luck and enjoy your fish....