This is the best logic yet... It is there because it needs to be there. If the manufacturer felt good about removing it, they would have. As is, they've made the brace as cheaply as possible to still function.

The 77 gal Hagen (OD 48 x 16 1/8 x 24) I purchased used has a rim but no center brace. Being a newb I had no idea whether it was supposed to have a brace or not. I've recently seen several new 77 Hagens exactly like mine and they were exactly like mine, rim, no brace. I actually added a ghetto wooden brace to mine soon after I purchased it since I noticed a bow in it when measuring for a canopy. Needless to say, it was not a perfect rectangle. I've decided to leave the brace on since I personally feel uncomfortable with the bow in the tank sans brace. The glass thickness is 3/8" and according to Hagen, none of their tanks use any tempered glass. Hagen's been in the business a few years now, so I reckon they know what they're doing.

With respect to your own plans, I have no experience with Aqueon tanks, so if I were you, I'd check with Aqueon to find out a little more info about their tanks. I found the info regarding non tempered glass on the Hagen web site FAQ. I'd say it's pretty much a sure thing that your tank will bow as well once you remove the rim/brace, even if only a little. How much depends on the glass thickness. If you don't need a perfect rectangle for a hood etc, it might not be a problem on such a low tank. Proceed at your own risk though, and I reckon the company will advise against it as well.

EDIT: Link to your product manufacturer's FAQ
http://www.aqueonproducts.com/educat...quarium frame?

As for the plastic brace, people tell me thats for manufacturing.

They place the glass in both trims, and silicone after, that way they dont have to tape ect ect.
It also allows them to sell lighting with a perfect fit, marketing scheme.

I have contacted HAGEN, and they said they only put the rim for visual effects.


Plastic is very cheap, so your idea of it being the best logic untamed is incorrect.
The silicone on the tank is worth more than the plastic.

The trim isn't needed unless it has a center brace built in which the 33 gallons usually do. If you remove the trim you need to add a center brace or euro brace the tank. The glass is not thick enough to be a rimless tank.

Alright, I will test it without a center brace, then if needed, I will add a center brace.
I will not be removing the bottom.

BTW:

Tank dimensions = 48/12/13.
Water level will be @ about 11inches.