Hi there,
Back to the removal of the centre brace, if I may...
It was explained to me, once upon a time, by someone I consider to be an aquarium guru that what holds a tank together is the silicone used to glue the main panels together (assuming we're talking glass here). Silicone is essentially liquid glass, if you will. It is made from the same stuff that glass is. Silica, if I'm not mistaken. Hence, the ideal glue for glass. As for the black trim...that's all it is. Trim. For finishing. It doesn't actually play a role in supporting the integrity of the tank. If you have a tank that is big enough that it needs reinforcing then the manufacturer would
glue a glass brace in with silicone so that it supports the main front and back panels. Any brace that is incorporated with the black plastic trim is likely just there to support a glass top. I suppose, too, it would provide a sense of security to the aquarist as well.
To make a long story short...I say cut it out and if you still have concerns go with AndyL's suggestion to DIY a glass piece glued in yourself with silicone. JMO and HTH.
Cheers,
