Center Brace Removal

[BigEasyReef]

I have an Oceanic 250g 8 foot tank that has two center braces that I wish to remove & replace with smaller stainless steel cross braces. I am looking for suggestions on the best & easyest way to cut out the existing braces ? Tank is up & running, and it has a custom canopy installed that is almost impossible to remove without a tremendous effort, so the braces will need to be cut out while the canopy is in place.

any thoughts will be helpful.......

Thanks, Creighton

[BeanAnimal]

I think the general consensus is that this is not a good idea with the constraints that you have.

1) Full tank
2) permanent canopy

I submit that you are asking for trouble in a big way!

What are the braces made from?

You will need to install the new braces and pre-tension them before cutting out the old braces.

[BigEasyReef]

The braces are being fabricated from marine grade SS, SS angle & flat bar. I was planning on installing 3 SS braces to replace the 2 glass center braces. And yes I was going to put the new braces in place B4 removal of the glass braces. I know several people who have done this with no issues, but I am not looking to cause myself a problem, its just a full time job keeping the top & bottom of the glass clean for light transmission.

[BeanAnimal]

I suppose the best way would be to slice through the silicone. The problem is that if you bind the tool up (blade or piano wire) it could case the panel to break.