shouldn't need a brace the DSA tanks are well built and I believe use Euro braciing around the edges. it's probally a stress break from being moved and age. just be glad it happened now not with 180 g of water in the house, the wife would be a lil mad. have you thought about contacting original owner see if he had it registered and how long warranty was. it is on a factory stand. you may have to put overflow back in lol