Can I remove the tank crossbeam?

[yeahcheetah]

Sorry I don't know its official name. It is the plastic thing that goes across the top of my tank. I think its only purpose is to support tank cover, not to hold the front and back glass pieces. I tried to press it and it bended quite easily. So it doesn't look like a weight/pressure supporting part of the tank. My question is can I remove it? Anyone did it before? My tank is a 50G glass tank, 36x18x18.

 

[bad coffee]

don't do it. there's a reason it's there.

search 'center brace broke' and read the horror stories.

B

 

[Josh]

The simple answer is NO.

 

[Prefect]

Let's see
40G 1/4" thick walls, no center brace, 16" tall
50G 3/8" thick walls with center brace, 18" tall

50G is 2" taller than the 40G but it's 50% thicker. I some how believe you can remove the center piece without causing damage to the tank.

 

[roncgizmo]

I was thinking about doing that myself, the more I read the more I thought it's not a good idea...I would say no at this point...as much as I want to say yes...

 

[grknyer]

I was talking to someone back in July who knows someone that did remove the center brace on a 46 bow and replaced it with a thick piece of clear plexiglass.This was done when the tank was empty.The center brace was cut out and the slightly longer clear piece was siliconed on both ends and placed in the same place the brace was but placed from lip to lip.The reason for this because the light fixture he got for free had a MH bulb that would sit directly over the brace.If you intend on removing the brace because you just simply don't like I wouldn't suggest you do it.

 

[KathyC]

Sorry I don't know its official name.

It's called a brace..and there is an excellent reason it's called that.

Grknyer...it is my understanding that you cannot 'silicone' plexiglass to plastic and expect it to hold. Silicone is sealant, not a glue.

Anyone who has been successful in changing one of these has drilled the replacement piece and used screws to hold it together. IMO it also will destroy the resale valve of the tank if you ever decide to sell it.

 

[masterswimmer]

don't do it. there's a reason it's there.

search 'center brace broke' and read the horror stories.

B

The simple answer is NO.

Not only do I agree with these recommendations, but you'll also void any manufacturers warranty if you remove it. There are very few companies out there that ADD unnecessary parts and expense to their manufacturing processes for no reason.

swimmer

 

[nycmat]

dont you dare touch that guy. its not worth it in any way

 

[hippotangs]

...

MR works fast.....

Simply put,,,,,no.

 

[grknyer]

Kathy your right. I didn't think of that. Like I said I heard this and haven't actually seen it.Screws, nuts,bolts or whatever would be used would have to be something that does't rust.
I say leave it and if the brace is in the way of the light simply use that shaded area for some lowlight coarals.

It's called a brace..and there is an excellent reason it's called that.

Grknyer...it is my understanding that you cannot 'silicone' plexiglass to plastic and expect it to hold. Silicone is sealant, not a glue.

Anyone who has been successful in changing one of these has drilled the replacement piece and used screws to hold it together. IMO it also will destroy the resale valve of the tank if you ever decide to sell it.

 

[yeahcheetah]

I was talking to someone back in July who knows someone that did remove the center brace on a 46 bow and replaced it with a thick piece of clear plexiglass.This was done when the tank was empty.The center brace was cut out and the slightly longer clear piece was siliconed on both ends and placed in the same place the brace was but placed from lip to lip.The reason for this because the light fixture he got for free had a MH bulb that would sit directly over the brace.If you intend on removing the brace because you just simply don't like I wouldn't suggest you do it.

I want to remove it because of the same reason.

 

[yeahcheetah]

All right then, let the brace keep bracing.

 

[yeahcheetah]

Not only do I agree with these recommendations, but you'll also void any manufacturers warranty if you remove it. There are very few companies out there that ADD unnecessary parts and expense to their manufacturing processes for no reason.

swimmer

btw, I think one of its purposes is to provide support for tank covers.

 

[Bori]

I have an AGA and a few years back I noticed 1 side slightly bulging. I didn't pay it too much mind until the next morning it was really bulging. Seems that the heat from my MH lights actually cracked the center brace. I was able to order a new one from the mfr and prevented the inevitable. So imo. No.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

no

 

[DevIouS]

btw, I think one of its purposes is to provide support for tank covers.

How do you come to that conclusion?



So "Euro-Bracing" is for European tank covers?:scratch:

It's totally not for tank covers.



Manhattan Reefs member experience.....


No matter what size tank it is, if there's a center-brace....it's there for a reason.
Although it might not happen at that moment, the seams will eventually give out.


If lighting is an issue, an option you can do is "Euro-Bracing" the tank.

 

[Davidl919]

So "Euro-Bracing" is for European tank covers?:scratch:

.

:funnypost Your the mean mod not the funny mod. That is the funniest thing I've read here in a while. What's worst is someone actually computed he could after 2 other members said NO But of course Unless your experimenting and want to see how many gallons of pressure your silicone seals can withstand before they break, then go ahead. Plain and simple here is the meaning of Brace: a: to furnish or support with a brace <heavily braced against the wind> b: to make stronger.
Sorry Yeahcheetah, if it's a harsh reponse. The MR community is helping you, your tank and the livestock that you may have
Regardless of asthetics or dual purpose It's main purpose is a brace.

 

[PORKY PUFF]

David919 is right. I am a structural engineer. The water from the tank puts outward pressure on all faces but more so on the front and back face because of its length. The brace works as a tension member to keep the tank from bowing/breaking outwards. Without it, you are only counting on the silicon and glue at the corners. It may hold water for a while but most likely not for long.

Simiply put it, no.

 

[yeahcheetah]

OK, I think this post has drifted away from its original intension. I was asking the "crossbeam" only, not the whole brace, if everyone thinks "brace" includes the "crossbeam" and the "frame".

Thanks to all that have responded. I appreciate all short & simple answers like the majority did and persuasive example like devious has shown, or even reasoning that Prefect was trying to make, although he could be wrong. That means you people really thought about it and trying to help, no matter how funny my question is.