Ok to remove plastic bracing?

[FishyFishy!]

What about if I were to remove the plastic rims, and make a metal rim consisting of the utility shelf legs? I could run a piece of aluminum from front to back to compinsate.

[Aquaria]

Wouldn't it be easier and safer just to use glass? I braced an old bowfront a couple years ago only 46g mind you but ya

[mike31154]

These will all be sumps/fuges? Chances are there will be baffles & you won't be filling them to the top. Less water volume will mean less bowing if you decide to remove the braces. Still, as mentioned, if the tank has a plastic center brace, more than likely it serves the purpose of keeping the tank from bowing, worst case exploding. Tough call advising on something like this, an 80-90 gallon flood can really put a damper on your day.

[rastaangel]

Why dont you take the bottom one off to fit the shelf but leave the top one on to stop the tank from bowing and breaking or causing stress on the silicon

[viperfish]

I would definitely get some glass strips cut and add a eurobrace.

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by medhatreefguy

I would definitely get some glass strips cut and add a eurobrace.

+1 would seem to be the easiest and cheapest solution

[MKLKT]

As well the rock and equipment while having weight wouldn't be putting pressure on the walls just the bottom I think so it'd be less stress than just straight water.