Cut the brace on a 55?

[lifesworksataol]

How many of you have cut the brace out of your 55 gal display tanks? 48inch tank. does it bend much? i want to do it and put 1 400 watt light and put the huge overflow in the middle and the returns two on each side coming from my dart pump. :-D jason is ready to play!

[WingnutSr]

Just a minute, I'll go cut mine out and tell ya what happens.

[jay24k]

Why not cut it and replace it with acrylic piece? Drill a hole and use nylon bolts. Problem with glass is if it bends, the stress can blow it out.

[AndyH5512]

I wouldnt do it...

[lifesworksataol]

damn thanks everyone - the problem is i want to put the overflow box there. not just for the light. i might just put the overflow to the side and do the acrylic deal. thanks :-D

[jay24k]

How about two braces? Then you dont need a middle brace.

[WingnutSr]

jay24k has a good idea there. His two posts offer what I think may be a good solution to what you are trying to accomplish.

[gwrench]

Why dont you incorporate the brace inton the center overflow itself, get with David and see what he can build for you
Happy New Year
George

[gwrench]

Why dont you incorporate the brace into the center overflow itself, get with David and see what he can build for you
Happy New Year
George

[lusenut2]

You can cut, you wont have a problem. Cut it buddy.

[lusenut2]

You can cut, you wont have a problem. Cut it buddy.

[lifesworksataol]

why is everyone doing double post? hahaha i think a double brace will do the trick. thanks for the ideas!!!!!

[fasteddie7]

i wouldn't cut..might end up with a nice bowfront...that is your frame you are cutting!

[lusenut2]

I think it would be fine. I dont think it holds enough water to bow the front. Look at the Oceanic Teck tanks. They dont have a center brace. Your 55 will be fine.

[jay24k]

You might be able to, however I don't see why a manufacturer would put it there if there was no reason. I'd rather be safe then having 55 gallons of water on the floor.

[mlivvy]

I cut the brace off on my 37 and replaced it with a thick piece of acrylic. Never had a problem. My only mistake was at first the heat from the halide lamp melted a thinner piece I used first.

[fasteddie7]

oceanic tec tanks are a lot thicker glass....they also have aframe around the top of the tank that is much thicker than a standard 55. i actually know someone with a broken frame on a 55, yeah it holds water, but you can see it actually bowing.....would hate to come home to 55 gallons of saltwater on the floor.

[Pacific Reefs]

The glass on most 55s are thin thin thin!

+1 for the acrylic brace.

[lifesworksataol]

mlivvy what kind of screws are those?

[mlivvy]

plastic screws. lowes/hd sells them.

[evega]

I agree with J24 and mlivvy.

[Cheekmonkey]

wow that came out nice