Rio-180 Strut Repair

[andyG44]

After having a huge clamp trying to secure the Rio-180 for months, I have finally made a permanent repair. I used 4 large L steel brackets, and two 4mm aluminium bars with aquarium glue. So far it is holding and I suppose and hope that it should hold forever as this repair is much stronger than the original bar.
 

 

[garyspence84]

Good idea!! Cant see that not holding out any time soon!!
Nice work

 

[andyG44]

I think I would suggest a similar fix to any Rio-180 owners to prevent issues.
 
The aluminium bars cost £2.90 each, 4mm thickness, around 60mm wide, 375mm length, then there are two galvanised steel brackets 60mmx45mm from any hardware store/ebay and aquarium glue (from Juwel). It is glued on the inside of the glass and above the top trim and the brackets are not visible on the outside. Even on the inside the shiny aluminium bars look beautiful.
 
Assembly: first glue the brackets on the glass on either side of the central strut. Use electrician's tape to hold the brackets in place until the glue sets. There should be about 2mm of glue between glass and bracket. After a day or so place the aluminium bar over the brackets secured with more glue. For good measure I also drilled plenty of half-way-through holes on the aluminium bar ends where they attach to the brackets to create extra surface area for the glue to take purchase on.
 
Leave for two days to set.
 
Fill with water and watch your precious fish die as they munch on the still soft glue...

 

[Ch4rlie]

Sounds pretty good, that should be good and solid for years to come.
 
 

Fill with water and watch your precious fish die as they munch on the still soft glue...

 
Is this aquarium safe glue btw?
 
Not sure if fish will munch on glue / silicon tbh?