Glass Brace Replacecment

[discretekarma]

I have a 180 that has an 18" glass brace in the center. If this is so big for a reason, it would be great to know. Otherwise, can this be cut and replaced with maybe a 4" brace? I think it'd really help the lighting. The middle 18"-24" stays pretty shaded. Thanks in advance.

[rioreef]

The way I look at it, there is a reason for it being there. Would you cut trusses out of your house? They are there for structrual support so the top of the tank does not break under the water pressure.

 

My two pennies.

[Rascal]

I agree it is there for a purpose, but in theory at least it seems that you could cut out the center brace and then replace it with Euro-bracing.

Edited October 24, 2007 by Rascal

[rioreef]

I am not going to advise anyone to do something that can possibly result in a tank bursting.

[flowerseller]

One of mine accidently and unknowingly broke when my pretty half leaned on it while cleaning the glass for me.

The second one simply let go a few days later and as luck would have it, I was home and heard the pop.

I quickly drained it down 60g and put a long pinch clamp on it for about a year.

The clamp was replaced with 2 metal brakets painted with black undercoating and it's been that way for 6 years.

You could do the same.

[treesprite]

I personally wouldn't want to mess with it. Too risky

[extreme_tooth_decay]

I've messed with it in the past. Big mistake. Don't mess with the structural integrity of a perfectly good tank. If you don't like it, sell it and buy something you like.

 

tim

[discretekarma]

Ok. I was a Tony's (Tgallo's) and saw his 120 had the black center brace cut and was replaced with a clear brace. That's why I was asking but I think I am just not going to mess with it.

Edited October 24, 2007 by discretekarma

[jason the filter freak]

I personally wouldn't want to mess with it. Too risky

 

I would have to agree, if it's a structurally working tank, don't frag it.