Hi guys, I recently got a used 180 gallon 2×6×2 aquarium. Its solid. I had planned to use it as a terrarium.
There are 4 cross braces, 2 on top and 2 on the bottom. One of the bottom ones has a small gouge (not crack) through about 1/6 or less of the width of the brace in the center. Looks to be full thickness, but the brace is still solid. Will this cause any structural concerns if I use this for terrarium purposes?
Thanks guys.
I think as long as you have a solid sturdy base that can hold the entirety of the enclosure there shouldn’t be any issue. I’m assuming this is a glass enclosure since it used to be an aquarium so if theres no cracks or damage to the glass itself there shouldn’t be any significant structural issue. Just make sure there is weight support!
Buuuut I’m no architect so maybe someone with a little more knowledge than me will say differently, idk lol.
If at all possible, could you provide some pictures? That would help to see the actual problem and how minor or serious it really is.
Back in the day, I used a 75 gallon aquarium with a significant crack in the bottom of the glass as a terrarium for a bearded dragon. It wouldn’t have held water, but it did just fine with dry substrate for over 10 years. It even held together for several moves.
What you’re describing sounds less severely damaged than what I had, so I think it would be just fine.
Thanks guys, yes Ill get some pics. The damage is in the plastic cross brace itself, the glass is fine and super thick - at least 1 cm.
Unless your build weighs over 500 pounds I wouldn’t worry. Remember that the tank would have held 1,400 pounds of water.
Obviously the sturdier the stand for it the safer it will be. And I would be careful not to put too much weight in any one spot. Try to distribute it evenly for the best results when moving it around. It will be at it’s most vulnerable when you’re lifting and moving it because that brace will help distribute that weight across the panel.
If the gouge goes most of the way through… Then maybe I would consider keeping it simple with easy to remove decor.
You could also get some egg crate plastics (I’m sure there’s a technical name) which is basically a big rectangle full of tiny grid squares that helps disperse weight more evenly around the tank. I would recommend anyone doing that, but especially if you are worried about tank integrity 
Thank you all dor your help!