question on a centerbrace??

[oceancube]

okay all, well i recently went to a lfs and wanted to purchase a 75 gallon tank, but when i was about to pay for it i saw that it had a small 2 inch plastic strip holding it in the center, now my question is, im wondering if i could cut it out and make me a canopy or a brace that goes around the tank, with 2 small braces away from the middle that way i wont use up no dead light space in the middle, also was thing of siliconing 2 strips of glass like 5 inches away from ends to give it extra support on both sides?? whatcha think, i really dont wanna pay the $215 for an oceanic no brace 75 gal. with no tops!!thanks in advance for any ideas! :shock:

[btacker]

I think it's a risk. If you like taking risks go for it... but personally, it is not a risk I would be willing to take.

I know 1 gallon of water on the floor makes a huge mess... I can't imagine 75.

[alexwolf]

get a 58. They dont have a brace. They put the braces there for a reason, as flimsy as they look they hold the tank together.

[Tim Marvin]

Pay the $215, that is pennies compared to what the rest of the set-up will cost.

[oceancube]

well im just gonna go 58 gallon again, im having a hard time deciding, maybe when i buy my house in a couple years ill go big ,but for now ill go nano 58,thanks all for advice!

[Tim Marvin]

You can do a pretty awesome reef in a 58. Just be a picky buyer.

[kaiser]

I think it's a bad idea to cut out centerbraces, especially on a new tank. If it breakes You are not just out of a tank , they won't honor a warranty on that.

[Reef69]

to be honest, a center brace doesnt block light.IMO...it might, but you wont see it..

[GaryP]

I have a similar thin brace in my 75 and it has never been a problem.
As a matter of fact, I'm thinking of getting a 180 with two similar braces on it instead of the wide glass brace that is common on a lot of tanks.


Gary

[Reef69]

yeah, my 90 has a plastic center brace, for some reason I wouldnt go with the glass 1..

[Tim Marvin]

The plastic brace is fine, just don't put the halide too close!

[astrong]

GaryP-

The 180 split brace still has two 11" wide braces evenly spaced. I would recommend the brick style 180. Its better. No limits on lighting and placement.