center brace

[rjn82291]

is it unheard of to remove the center brace on a tank? I have one on my 75 gallon display tank as well as my 55 gallon tank which holds LR. If it is able to be removed any suggestions as to how? TYIA

 

[armison89]

dont do it. if you do the tank will bow and the stress will cause it to leak or break.

 

[EllieSuz]

I have read many threads asking the same question over the years and the overwhelming response has been "don't do it". The only exception is that some reefers have replaced the center brace with a hunk of thick acryllic, on the theory that the original center brace interfered with the light.

 

[teamdulski]

I did it to a 56 column in my much younger days and about a year later the amount the glass was bowing was terrifying.

 

[truebeliever71]

I de-trimmed my 120 and built a 1/4 inch metal frame (right angle bracket) and have NO issues with bowing.

 

[mockranouse]

I've always thought about doing some kind of metal trim some day with no center brace, but I was always worried about possible rust issues. What did you have to do to prevent that sort of thing??

 

[magdelan]

Tanks are built with a center brace for a reason. If you don't want the brace, get a rimless.

 

[redreef85]

There might be euro-bracing options, but designers put that center brace their for a reason.

 

[belgian_waffleman]

Don't mess with the center brace. a 29G tank 30" wide is designed without center brace and still bows out a good 1/4" . A bit scary when you think about it.

Waffleman

 

[rjn82291]

Thanks for the responses...im leaving the braces on!