[briscoe]

Long story short, the center brace of my 55 gallon is broken. I'd like to replace it, but would prefer a smaller tank. However, the stand is in semi-good condition. So I want to get a tank that is smaller than a 55 gallon but has the bottom size of 48" x 13" so I can still use the stand. From what I've found, the 33 gallon long is 48" x 13" x 12", while the 40 gallon long is 48" x 13" x 16". Does anyone know where in the area I could find one of these sized tanks at a decent price? Any and all help is appreciated.

On a sidenote, if anyone feels like trying to fix my 55 gallon, you can have it for free if you don't mind picking it up. I'm in Lansdale.

 

[Bushkill]

I think you're in for a bit of a shocker when you see the price tag for "down-sizing" to either of those dimensions. In short, they aren't a size any retail outlet maintains at any given point and would have to be ordered through their distributor. You can call, but I doubt even TPP keeps either on the floor.
Much like when you go to Home Depot and look at the stock windows and doors, then ask about something in a different color or different jamb size, your jaw just drops since it becomes a custom order. If money is an issue, I strongly recommend replacing the brace. A good LFS can order one for you. Wait for the PETCO sale to come around again (July?). Or, if you drain the tank half way and clamp the brace so the gap closes and just crazy-glue a small piece of acrylic over the crack you'll be fine. About an inch either side of the crack is all it takes. I've had one on the brace of a 90G for about 6 years now.

 

[discusonly]

Couple of options.

1. Replace the top brace. It's about $25 if you order online. Not that hard to do. That' Pet Place carries them if you don't want to order online.
2. Ever thought about 2 20gallon high instead? You can use a 55gal stand for that.

 

[briscoe]

I think you're in for a bit of a shocker when you see the price tag for "down-sizing" to either of those dimensions. In short, they aren't a size any retail outlet maintains at any given point and would have to be ordered through their distributor. You can call, but I doubt even TPP keeps either on the floor.
Much like when you go to Home Depot and look at the stock windows and doors, then ask about something in a different color or different jamb size, your jaw just drops since it becomes a custom order. If money is an issue, I strongly recommend replacing the brace. A good LFS can order one for you. Wait for the PETCO sale to come around again (July?). Or, if you drain the tank half way and clamp the brace so the gap closes and just crazy-glue a small piece of acrylic over the crack you'll be fine. About an inch either side of the crack is all it takes. I've had one on the brace of a 90G for about 6 years now.

That's what I've found, neither of these tanks will come cheap. I found a place that can order the 33 gallon for around $70, and the 40 gallon for around $90.

Couple of options.

1. Replace the top brace. It's about $25 if you order online. Not that hard to do. That' Pet Place carries them if you don't want to order online.
2. Ever thought about 2 20gallon high instead? You can use a 55gal stand for that.

I'm probably just going to suck it up and buy one rather than fix the brace on the 55 gallon. This will be a shrimp only tank, and I'm going to use RO water that I get from a nearby Acme. So the smaller the tank, the better. Buying 2 20 gallon tanks and all the necessary equipment probably won't be much less than just splurging on one of the custom sizes.

Thank you both for the replies. Much appreciated.