Center Brace Replace?

[Kannon50]

Going off a post i say in another forum. This has me thinking alot. .... has anoyone ever done this on their own LARGE tank? prefereably like a 180 or 210? i would love to ditch my braces but also dont want to risk a flood.... let me know thanks!

<a href="http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/roblee121/media/wirebrace.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z426/roblee121/wirebrace.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo wirebrace.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/roblee121/media/plexibrace.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z426/roblee121/plexibrace.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo plexibrace.jpg"/></a>

 

[Psirex]

Just replace the brace....

 

[Kannon50]

Tank is brand new. Just looking for an alternative to the black OEM bracing.

 

[Psirex]

Euro-braces maybe?

 

[M_Jaco]

I've done it on a 46 Bow with 1/8" acrylic sheet and nylon bolts/nuts.

I don't know what loads to expect in the center brace, but if it were to fail I suppose it would fail in block shear (google to see what that means) So as long as you can fit a couple bolts in there with some clear cover (distance to any edge) i'd think it would be ok

 

[zachts]

As a fix to an existing tank, sure, (done that while procrastinating replacing the tank), but I'd never cut up a new tank. they are stronger from the manufacturer. if you want rimless or clear brace just buy it up front. not worth the risk considering the cost of inhabitants and potential damage to your home.