Removing center brace?

[MizTanks]

I'm looking at 2 tanks. 46 bowfront and a 56 cube. Both have a center brace. Is it possible to remove the center brace without compromising the tanks integrity?

[jimsflies]

Agree with Chris!

[Sir Patrick]

You could always cut out the center brace and use plastic screws and replace the old one w/ clear acrylic to go in its place, just in case you wanted it replaced for lightings sake.

[MizTanks]

I wouldn't especially on the 46g bowfront.... I know of a couple that have blown out with the brace fully intact

If you want a tank without the center brace your best bet is to have one made.... properly.

Unfortunately I'm not in a position financially to have a tank made special just for me.

[jimsflies]

Anything worth doing, is worth doing right.

[Sir Patrick]

I would use a wider and flatter piece of acrylic, but heres a pic of how its commonly done-

[jimsflies]

Are you thinking you don't want the center brace because of tank access or shadows?

I'm not sure how Sir Patrick's brace would help with either of those...seems like there would still be a shadow from the brace...maybe less of one? That looks like a decent solution to deal with a broken brace though.

I would never want to take the brace off once the tank is full for fear of it breaking...so the idea of a removable brace doesn't (in my mind) seem like a good idea.

(BTW- Moved thread to Basics in "Tanks, Sumps & Refugiums")

[MizTanks]

At least 2 of you have forgotten where I live But if either of you know of anyone here in the Marquette area that could build me a custom tank, with stand for say $350 then by all means point me in their direction.....I'll be waiting but won't be holding my breath Thanks for the suggestions though

@Jim: I am concerned that the center brace would hinder the light of a Pendant, if I were to use one I'm also wondering why my 26 doesn't have one. It is the same depth as the 46. I'm also curious as to what is meant by a *euro style brace*?

[MizTanks]

if the marineland tank is a true eurobrace then the top rim should be made of glass and will not give the shadow effect....I've not seen one like this in any of the petsmarts around here tho, maybe something new?

Here's the one I'm looking at:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...uctId=12282670

[binford4000]

Have you considered talking to a glass shop in your area ?? Just a thought,you can buy the rim stuff online and then you won't need a center brace. Mrs Binford had a 46 bow face that the center brace broke.that thing spread more then an inch before she called me and her son drain half the water tell I got home to repair it..