Aquarium Center brace removal?????

chadmcd · May 6, 2012

After a TON of research, I have made the decision to keep my 46 gal all glass bowfront and go with a HOB refugium (CPR aquafuge2 Large), and the reef octups BH-90 hob skimmer (also any input on this skimmer would be great), but in order to do this, I need to remove the center brace (which will also remove shadows). Has anyone removed this brace on a bowfront and if so have you had, or heard of any problems? Thanks again.

Ian · May 6, 2012

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

Devonjevon · May 6, 2012

Ian said:
don't do it, it's there for a reason...

Do not remove it. I agree

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chadmcd · May 6, 2012

Brain dead moment, I do not need to. Thanks

Reef Breeders · May 6, 2012

The tank would likely burst without the center brace, glad you didn't do it.

rjcranor · May 6, 2012

Mine broke with time, then started leaking. Also didn't care for the way the bow distorted the stuff in tank. I have a 50 gallon breeder now. With a reef octopus bh 1000 skimmer.

BarbH · May 6, 2012

The previous owner of my 72 gallon bowfront stressed to me to make sure that when setting up the tank to make sure that is was level and to be careful not to put stress on the center brace when working on the tank, which can cause it to break eventually.

usfpaul82 · May 16, 2012

I used to have a 65....and I did remove it, I actually replaced it. I cut out the frame leaving about 1" left on both ends. I then installed a thin stainless steel cable in place of the brace. This basically eliminated my shadow completely and was probably stronger than the original brace. I had the tank running for 3 years with 0 issues. here's a pic of when I did it...

Sleeping Giant · Oct 12, 2021

usfpaul82 said:
I used to have a 65....and I did remove it, I actually replaced it. I cut out the frame leaving about 1" left on both ends. I then installed a thin stainless steel cable in place of the brace. This basically eliminated my shadow completely and was probably stronger than the original brace. I had the tank running for 3 years with 0 issues. here's a pic of when I did it...

Is this still working?

slythy · Oct 13, 2021

Sleeping Giant said:
Is this still working?

Its been 9 years but I cant see why it wouldnt work as long as the crimps are good. What I would do instead would be silicone/clamp a piece of glass (eurobrace ish) if you are trying to reduce shadows,