Center braces vs. Euro-brace

[Hal]

I'm beginning the planning stage for a new tank: 72x30x30. One of the many questions I have is whether to use 2 center braces or eurobracing.

I'm concerned that the euro-braces will restrict my access to the glass for cleaning and other "hands in the tank" type operations, of which I seem to do a lot of.

The big drawback to center bracing seems to be cutting down the light into the tank. However, on a 72 inch tank, it seems like the amount of shading provided would be minimal. I plan to run three MH bulbs plus actinic VHO supplements.

What do you like, and why?

 

[STEELERFAN747]

I happen to like the center bracing, except it does cut back on light, especially moon lights. (I have 6 moon lights, 2 of which are right over the center brace)

You could try replacing them if they bother you, with some glass braces (taking into consideration that the tank is glass)

 

[Hal]

I was planning on using glass braces if it's an option. Depends on the tank builder.

Everyone seems to be fascinated with Euro-bracing. I don't understand why.

 

[TCU Reefer]

I hate my center brace. I regret not going euro bracing on my 215g.

I have an inwall with no front access and limited access from the back so the center brace is a huge PITA.

It blocks the light already but once salt creep cakes up along with other crap, the light barely penetrates the bottom of the tank.

I vote for Euro.

 

[melev]

Eurobracing is the only way to go. It does not block your hands at all. And some fish try to jump seem to follow the walls of glass right into the eurobracing.

 

[dbrock12]

Another vote for Euro bracing. I have had both, and Euro is the only way to go.

 

[TCU Reefer]

This photo was taken when Marc first started up his 280g by raising Mississippi catfish. He realized shortly thereafter that this wasn't destined to be.

 

[melev]

I knew that was going to come out. Dang it, Steve!

 

[Hal]

So the advantage of euro-bracing is that even if it get salt encrusted, it doesn't block the light whereas a center brace, even if glass, once encrusted blocks too much light?

 

[melev]

The advantages:

- Nothing in your way when you work in the tank.
- Splashing is limited substantially.
- Tank is reinforced. I've never even heard of a single instance where it came loose or failed.
- It takes up no space at all in the tank itself, and blocks no light.

 

[TCU Reefer]

I'd like to add that it might deter carpet surfers that like to jump around the edges.

 

[STEELERFAN747]

The advantages:

- Nothing in your way when you work in the tank.
- Splashing is limited substantially.
- Tank is reinforced. I've never even heard of a single instance where it came loose or failed.
- It takes up no space at all in the tank itself, and blocks no light.


__________________

Ahh, but id does get in the way of being able to use an algea scraper. (the ones with the handle)

But I guess i'm alone in this.

 

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8105302#post8105302 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by STEELERFAN747
The advantages:

- Nothing in your way when you work in the tank.
- Splashing is limited substantially.
- Tank is reinforced. I've never even heard of a single instance where it came loose or failed.
- It takes up no space at all in the tank itself, and blocks no light.


__________________

Ahh, but id does get in the way of being able to use an algea scraper. (the ones with the handle)

But I guess i'm alone in this.

It still isn't in your way. I've used a long handled scraper. Typically, you have to lean the handle away from you a few inches anyway to apply the proper pressure on the scraper blade to get nuisance algae off the glass.

And having a 24" slab of glass as a cross brace <b>isn't</b> in your way?!

 

[Reeses]

Where can I find information on eurobracing? Is it possible to eurobrace a tank that is up and running?

I think that's great.

 

[Zoos]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8093983#post8093983 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TCU Reefer
This photo was taken when Marc first started up his 280g by raising Mississippi catfish. He realized shortly thereafter that this wasn't destined to be.

Is that Miracle Mud Marc? :lol:

 

[STEELERFAN747]

It still isn't in your way. I've used a long handled scraper. Typically, you have to lean the handle away from you a few inches anyway to apply the proper pressure on the scraper blade to get nuisance algae off the glass.

And having a 24" slab of glass as a cross brace isn't in your way?!


I suppose it is, but I think a 2 inch strip is less intrussive than a large brace that circles the frame.

But once again, I may be alone in this.

 

[melev]

<b>Zoos</b> - it looks like it, doesn't it? It did clear up within something like 12 hours or so. That picture was taken as soon as the tank was filled up again and plumbed. I can't believe that was more than 2 years ago.

<b>Steelerfan747</b> - mine is 3" wide. Honestly, if it was obtrusive or in the way in any way, I'd say as much. I've got nothing to gain by hiding a fact that would be so obvious to disprove by anyone else owning a tank with euro-bracing.

As TCU-reefer posted, who has an Oceanic tank with a huge center-brace, he and others would love a tank with easy access.

<b>Hal</b> - you are getting a tank the exact same dimensions as mine. I highly recommend the euro-bracing. It will strengthen the tank and give you plenty of work area with nothing to get in the way.

 

[Chrismo]

One more opinion:

I have euro bracing and reccomend it, but it does get in the way a bit for me when I want to algae scrape. The handle of the scraper has to angle in to the center of the tank, and my hood is enclosed, so it leaves me at an awkward angle.

But still I think less intrusive than a centre brace. The center is my main point of entry into my tank. (since it's in the middle of both lights and I'm not burning my elbos on the MH's) A centre brace blocks all that and the light besides.

My eurobracing is only on the front and back. The sides arent as important I believe, since a shorter pane of glass is less likely to bow.

Chris

 

[yoboyjdizz]

I vote for eurobracing as well but you could also go trimless bracing with is more expensive...

 

[STEELERFAN747]

One more opinion:

I have euro bracing and reccomend it, but it does get in the way a bit for me when I want to algae scrape. The handle of the scraper has to angle in to the center of the tank, and my hood is enclosed, so it leaves me at an awkward angle.


THANK YOU. This was my point all along. Now Chrismo, I realize that with your closed canopy a center brace might get in your way, but under the right circumstances (say a larger more accesible canopy it should not be.

I feel alot of the folks who have the euro bracing probably have their lights hanging from the ceiling or have extremely tall canopies. That is the only way I can see it not being obstructive. (JMO)