bracket on the top of the tank

marvinsae · #1 05-03-2010, 05:33 PM

i have a 65 gallon and theres a middle bracket on the top of the tank. would i be able to remove the whole plastic top and put on a different one or do i just have to deal with it? my mh is gettin pretty hot and its warping the plastic.

4lti7ude · #2 05-03-2010, 05:41 PM

If its a solid plastic piece then its for supporting the tank, but if its a thin flimsy one then it doesn't do anything I believe.
The sturdy ones shaped at the top for two small glasstops.

Removing the whole black top part tho is kinda sketchy...I don't think you could to that without messing up the strength of that tank. Even if you build another one.

marvinsae · #3 05-03-2010, 08:34 PM

im thinkin of sawing it off but im worried the plastic will get into the water...i guess im just gonna have to live with it if theres no other option

DiverDude · #4 05-03-2010, 10:31 PM

I wouldn't do that. Manufacturing is a game of pennies and no one puts materials where they don't serve a purpose. That brace is there for a reason and removing it may not cause immediate disaster but you increase your chances by reducing the overall strength.

Even the flimsy braces are very strong in tension (which is how they are stressed when the tank is holding water).

I would suggest you leave it.

Ross · #5 05-04-2010, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiverDude

I wouldn't do that. Manufacturing is a game of pennies and no one puts materials where they don't serve a purpose. That brace is there for a reason and removing it may not cause immediate disaster but you increase your chances by reducing the overall strength.

Even the flimsy braces are very strong in tension (which is how they are stressed when the tank is holding water).

I would suggest you leave it.

I agree!!

On my 33 gallon, I cracked the center brace when moving the tank into place.
I glued it back together and it held for a few months. I was digging around in the tank and pushed on the brace by mistake. The glass has bowed out to have a 1/4" gap in the brace.

So, yes, they surve a purpose. I'd leave it inplace unless you intend to eurobrace the tank.

The tank is still holding water without it, but it is weaker than if that brace was intact.

fishytime · #6 05-05-2010, 12:30 AM

have two narrow glass pieces cut (two inch is plenty) to cross-brace the tank into thirds.......drop the water level in the tank, silicone the braces in......let cure for 24 hours then refill the tank, and cut the center-brace out......done like diner