Can I remove this?????

[Gilbert50]

I would like to remove this center piece...has anyone done this or any advice if this will hurt the interpreting of the tank?

Thank you!!

 

[Be102]

I would like to remove this center piece...has anyone done this or any advice if this will hurt the interpreting of the tank?

Thank you!!

I also have a centerbrace but I am pretty sure they are there to structurally support the tank.. could be wrong tho.

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

Don't... Its needed.

 

[MTBake]

It is needed. Don't remove it. Keeps the glass from bowing out on top.

 

[Gilbert50]

Thanks everyone! Unfortunately that was my thought too! I was trying to DIY a single top, but looks like I will need to make 2 separate tops. No big deal!!

 

[Dierks]

If you are going to remove it because it is black you will need to replace it with something else like a piece of plexi that you will have to plastic weld in or make some sort of pegs or nylon screws. The Center Support makes sure the tank doesn't bow at all as the rimmed tanks arent built quite as well (Thinner glass) as Rimless. At least those are simply my opinions/thoughts.

 

[Dierks]

@Gilbert50 if You are doing the screen tops let me know and I can print any custom pieces you may need to go around anything. or if its just square you can get away with simple corners from Home depot or lowes like these:

Prime-Line 3/8 in. x 3/4 in. Gray Plastic Screen Frame Corner-PL 14272 - The Home Depot

Prime-Line Gray Plastic Screen Frame Corner is used with appropriate screen frame to form a finished window screen. Features plastic construction.

www.homedepot.com

I have a thread started here if you need any examples. Simply trying to help out!

Minnesota - Screen Top Parts

Hello All, Selling Sets of Screen Top Parts so you can build a screen top with a place for cords to go through. $10 Shipped in the US - Options: - You can choose if you want the Spline channel - You Pick the color you want.

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Gilbert50]

If you are going to remove it because it is black you will need to replace it with something else like a piece of plexi that you will have to plastic weld in or make some sort of pegs or nylon screws. The Center Support makes sure the tank doesn't bow at all as the rimmed tanks arent built quite as well (Thinner glass) as Rimless. At least those are simply my opinions/thoughts.

I wanted to remove it so I could place a single mesh top. I will be purchasing another light so not to worried about the color. Thanks for the advice Dirks!

 

[Gilbert50]

@Gilbert50 if You are doing the screen tops let me know and I can print any custom pieces you may need to go around anything. or if its just square you can get away with simple corners from Home depot or lowes like these:

Prime-Line 3/8 in. x 3/4 in. Gray Plastic Screen Frame Corner-PL 14272 - The Home Depot

Prime-Line Gray Plastic Screen Frame Corner is used with appropriate screen frame to form a finished window screen. Features plastic construction.

www.homedepot.com

I have a thread started here if you need any examples. Simply trying to help out!

Minnesota - Screen Top Parts

Hello All, Selling Sets of Screen Top Parts so you can build a screen top with a place for cords to go through. $10 Shipped in the US - Options: - You can choose if you want the Spline channel - You Pick the color you want.

www.reef2reef.com

Sounds great! Do you have a source for back mesh? I’ve read the clear reflects a lot of light.

 

[stanleo]

Yeah I accidentally broke one on a 55 gallon once years ago. I have never bought a tank so fast in my life.

 

[Dierks]

Sounds great! Do you have a source for back mesh? I’ve read the clear reflects a lot of light.

You know what you can also get that at either Home Depot or whatever Hardware store you use. I havent had any issues at all with the nice clear stuff. I use this as it will give you the rest of the parts you need as well such as the spline andspline roller :

 

[Billdogg]

You should consider actually using a 4 piece screen top. My reasoning is this: Using a narrow back section allows you to route power head cords up through it so that that section can stay in place unless you need to remove the PH for cleaning. A small slit in the mesh to push the cord through is all it takes, and it will almost completely self seal around the cord for you. The front sections can be made larger to fill the rest of the open space but are then easily removable for water change day. That's how I did mine and I find it very easy to use that way.

 

[Be102]

You should consider actually using a 4 piece screen top. My reasoning is this: Using a narrow back section allows you to route power head cords up through it so that that section can stay in place unless you need to remove the PH for cleaning. A small slit in the mesh to push the cord through is all it takes, and it will almost completely self seal around the cord for you. The front sections can be made larger to fill the rest of the open space but are then easily removable for water change day. That's how I did mine and I find it very easy to use that way.

Would love more pics!