Center Brace questions

[cubanheat1]

Hello All,

I was looking into a 56 or 65g Marineland corner overflow tank for my new reef project, but like most tank this side unless rimless It has a black, thick center brace which we cast a shadow if I decide to do the MH pendant I currently have or a new LED pendant hung in the center. I've heard of cutting the existing one and replacing this black center strip with a thick acrylic peice possibly held by two or four nylon bolts and nuts.

Questions are:

Is this a reliable brace if done correctly?
Has anyone here done it and is successful for several year setup?
Examples with pics maybe?
Will a halide burn through the acrylic? If no... what thickness is appropriate?

Any feedback will be gladly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Arati]

my tank is 36" 65g I cut the brace 2 years ago.

just cut 1/4" acrylic into a strip. if you look at the center brace there are four thinner "wiing" type things 2 at either end. I drilled all for and matched up the acrylic strip drilled that and socked it together with nylon 2/3 bolt /w nut from ace. added a bead of aquarium caulk for good measure too .

once it was inplace and dry I cut away the back center brace with dremel . I did it with the tank full.. up and running... I suggest doing it before you set up hahah

good luck :p

 

[cubanheat1]

Hello Arati.
Thanks for the details. Anyway you can maybe provide me with a pic?? Do you think 1/4 will be to thin for a halide 13 -16" above the brace? I was thinking maybe 1/2 inch??