Tank Integrity

[krmpotic]

Someone out there must have done this.i have a 72 bow tank.i have a 250w m/h for the fish only tank.i was wondering if anybody has ever cut out the center plastic piece that runs from front to back of tank on the top.if i use my existing halide,there would be a large shady area in the center of the tank and my halide would sit fairly close to this piece.the heat would warp or melt it.i am on a budget and dont want to spend hundreds of bucks for a double halide system.I would replace the plastic with a thick piece of tempered glass.any info would help.thanks

 

[shyland83]

if you are going to replace it that's fine. but something needs to be there. I also wouldn't remove the brace if there is water in the tank. And how are you going to attach the new glass brace? I have seen people replace it with a piece of clear acrylic and nylon screws.

 

[krmpotic]

i have decided not to mess with the integrity of the tank.i was going to use plastic instead of glass but have decided to figure out a different type of halide setup.The canopy on this tank is abs plastic.i went out today and purchased 1/2 inch piece of good birch plywood to lay on top of the canopy.Cut it out to conform to the bow in front,painted it black,cut out a hinged lid.now i have some support to accept a halide setup of my choice.just need to cut out some openings and install 1 large fan on each end of the canopy.thanks