Replace that brace

[elm0]

Does anyone have any experience with replacing the stock black plastic brace on my 45G bow with a glass or plexiglass brace. I ask because I just set up my MH pendant over it and there is a definate shadow under the brace, thought if I replaced it with something clear, possible on each side of the stock one then aht might help. I would prefer to do it without having to drain the tank..since i have no other tank to house my critters in. Any info would help.

[mathias]

I would say leave it alone... if you can't take the water out....

[reefer]

i must agree with mathias, you're just asking for trouble if you cut the brace and try replacing it with a piece of clear plastic, imo. sure it can be done, but you are really messing with the integrity og the tank itself, if the band was ever to fail. you're better off getting a dual mh ballast and working around the issue that way, imo.
hth...
8)

[btacker]

There are a few threads on this on reef central. I almost did it, but decided to go with PC lighting instead.

[elm0]

Thanks for the info guys, sounds pretty risky, think maybe i'll just reconfigure my reef to the sides of the tank under the highest concentrations of light, i'm using a 20k now and i'ts pretty blue, I'd be interested in trying a 13 or 14K bulb, any ideas...i'd like to avoid any supplemental light, hopefully i can get all i need from the right MH bulb.

[astrong]

I know 2 people that did it successfully on 2 different tanks. They braced the tank before hand so it wouldn't bow (anymore) then cut out the center brace leaving about 2" of the brace on each side. Next they cut a piece of clear acrylic that overlapped the old brace and drilled 2 holes in each side of the old and new brace. Through the holes they put nylon bolts found at home depot. Thats it. Both tanks ran for 2+ years with no problems.

That being said, all warranties were voided and if it leaks you are up the creek. It would definately be safer to use 2 metal halides, one on either side of the existing brace, and better light for the corals too. But what fun would that be???

[cpreefguy]

Yeah definatly not too cost efficient.
Ive seen alot of bigger bows with no brace at all, is it absolutly necessary to even have one?

[astrong]

Without a center brace you will see bowing of the glass which creates tension on the silicone and possibly a leak. Its best to have one.
Oceanic makes a few tanks without center braces but they are extra thick glass or brick style bracing.

[cpreefguy]

Ahhh...Gotcha