Euro Bracing Question a 200g
 

I have put together the 5 main panels of my tank and want to start with the euro bracing. I have seen it two different ways with the bracing on top of all ends of the glass or just below the edge of the top rim of glass.

I am wondering if there is any strength issues to either method. I feel with the below the rim method the two short sides could be put on top so that they have the best of both worlds (Hannah Montana Effect).

Any thoughts?

It's not going to matter either way. euro bracing slighty below or on top its the same effect.

Always wondered..........what is the advantage of eurobracing vs a center brace ?

For my 120g, I put in a center brace from front to back about 5 inches wide to minimize the bowing.

Eurobrace strengthes the whole length, A center brace just pulls the center. It can bow on both sides of the brace, although, not as much, but it does bow.

so is eurobracing that plastic rim on top of the rim of the tank??

Nope, the whole idea behind eurobracing is a cleaner look. The black plastic trim with plastic center brace (in most cases) that you're thinking about is the 'standard' method to finish the top of the tank. It's the same as the plastic trim on the bottom of most tanks.

On glass tanks, eurobracing is made of glass (not plastic) and is usually siliconed just inside, or to the top of the glass as mentioned. No black plastic and no center brace. Fairly wide strips of glass are used, providing sufficient rigidity to prevent the long panes of glass from bowing out at the top from the pressure of the water. On acrylic tanks, this type of bracing is fused to the tank with the same solvent used to build the tank.

Ok, I get it. I was wondering what everyone was talking about on all these threads about eurobracing... I got it now. thanks