oceanic tanks and center plate

[rotorh60]

When I got my 225 AGA, it too had a 24" center brace. Fortunatly, there is a tank manufacture nearby, and I took the tank to them, and they removed the center brace, and installed a 3/4" thick, 4" wide combing around the tank similar to what is found on acrylic tanks, and since it was there, they also drilled the 6 holes in the back glass for my 3 closed-loop circulation pumps. All told, I spent an extra 320.00 for this to be done (included the 6 1" bulkheads, I also had the weirs removed, and entire tank resealed). And I could not be happier with the results from this investment. Tanks been running now almost 2 yrs, and not a single problem. HTH

 

[davelin315]

I wouldn't touch those braces. It sounds like the above tank was completely rebuilt, and basically, rotorh60 bought 5 panes of glass and had them put together by his local manufacturer. I would not mess with the braces at all. Even if it's in the way, it's better than having a bunch of fish, corals, and saltwater in your way when the tank falls apart.

 

[Demose]

Anyone got a oceanic 180 they took the center plate out or made it smaller?? this one is huge and as with my 120 oceanic i know itll be in the way.... any expierences will be greatly apreciated.....

thanks

 

[ChrisIsBored]

I have an Oceanic 200G and wouldn't DREAM of taking out the center brace. That's way too much water to screw around with the integrity of the tank.

IMO, leave it be. Don't stick a 400W MH on it and you should be fine.

[ August 27, 2001: Message edited by: ChrisIsBored ]

 

[zebrasoma171]

If you haven't already gotten your Oceanic tank you can order it custom made without
the center brace for reef applications. I just got a 200 gallon RR that I ordered this way. Instead of the center brace a 4" wide by 1/2" thick piece of glass is run along the top of the tank perpendicular to the front glass which basically forms a 4" glass "ledge" along the upper inside rim of the tank. A similar piece is siliconed in along the back glass between the overflows. I don't know the "engineering" as to how or why this works but it was presented as an option to me when I purchased the tank.

Although this makes it difficult to hang powerheads etc. off the back of the tank, it frees up the center of the tank for better lighting and ease of maintenance.
My LFS offers package deals on Oceanics including a glass canopy and fluorescent lighting. I didn't need the canopy & lights so I just ordered the 200 custom and the price was about $50 less than the package price. They said it would take about 6 weeks but I had it in 3. Your post doesn't indicate where you're from but if you're around Long Island check out Country Critters in Patchogue NY. Their 200 gallon display reef is custom made exactly this way. Awesome LFS too. Hope this helps. Al

 

[esmithiii]

FYI Related Ling:
http://www.reefs.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=028281

 

[Demose]

Thanks all i was also told by a tank designer that the glass is not heavy enough in a 180 oceanic to support the front and back without the center brace so i guess ill havta tough it.. for 400 bucks how can it be wrong