Remove center brace?

[RobbAdams]

I have a 28 gallon bowfront,and would like to remove the black center brace.

There appears to be no tension on the brace, as is is quite flexible.

Most of the bracing appears to be accomplished by the solid one piece trim running around the top of the tank

Obvoiously this would void any warrenty on the tank, but I bought it used anyway!

any one think this is a bad idea? I want to pull it as it really is interfearing with my new halide setup!

If I DONT remove the brace, which type of reflector would BEST help with the shadow caused by the brace (It is currently a bell type pendant)

Robb