Brace or no brace?

[Benevolent]

I'm planning on building a custom tank and want to make sure I've got the green light so i don't mess it up. The tank is going to be 54 in x 18 in x 16 in, 65 gal. 12mm glass for the bottom panel, and 9mm for the side panels. Will It be safe to have the tank filled without a brace? I greatly dislike how braces look so any option of not having one on this tank would be favorable, Thanks!

 

[fishywishy]

I would do 10mm glass for the side panels instead, and i would also make the tank a little wider if you can because with those tank dimensions, you might have some bowing.

 

[Benevolent]

I would do 10mm glass for the side panels instead, and i would also make the tank a little wider if you can because with those tank dimensions, you might have some bowing.

10mm for all side panels and what if i change dimensions to 52 x 20 x 16?
Or what if i do 12mm glass all around for each panel? Would that prevent bowing?

 

[fishywishy]

10mm for all side panels and what if i change dimensions to 52 x 20 x 16?
Or what if i do 12mm glass all around for each panel? Would that prevent bowing?

Both should work in my opinion.

 

[DCR]

The bowing is only going to be affected by the front and back panel dimensions - not the side panels. With only 16 inches of height, I think you will be OK with 12 mm glass on the front/back panels. I have a 120 48x24x24 with 1/2 glass and no center brace and no blowing. The side panels can easily be 10 mm