Getting Rid of a Center Brace?

jahorgos · 02/21/2008, 07:19 AM

I have a glass center brace on my 125 gallon (glass) tank roughly 12-14" long. I would like to get rid of it but I have no idea if thats possible? I figure some sort of thin steel rod could go across the top center section in place of it.

The reason I want to do this is because you can see it when looking in the tank (from the front) and it tends to break up some flow. I figure a medium bolt sized rod or two or three medium sized rods could brace the tank in the middle from the top and then it will support the tank but not be in the water annoying me.

Any thoughts on what to do or if this is plausible?

frank2926 · 02/21/2008, 07:29 AM

I do not think the center brace should be under water. Are you using hang on the back overflows? or is it reef ready? how far from the top edge of the tank is the brace? If you are using a hang on the back you should be able to lower it deeper into the tank. If its reef ready make sure the teeth are clean, or lower your dursos if you are using them.

jahorgos · 02/21/2008, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by frank2926
I do not think the center brace should be under water. Are you using hang on the back overflows? or is it reef ready? how far from the top edge of the tank is the brace? If you are using a hang on the back you should be able to lower it deeper into the tank. If its reef ready make sure the teeth are clean, or lower your dursos if you are using them.

Its reef ready. I will give my teeth a good cleaning tonight and see if that helps.

tgreene · 02/21/2008, 07:39 AM

Actually, if the center brace is submerged, it's easiest to reduce the flow on your return pump.

If what you're referring to is a large wide pane of glass that takes up the center 1/3 of your tank (and blocks light) however, it IS possible to cut it down, but it's a major pain in the arse. A friend and I just did it with his new 125 that we setup a month ago, and it took us about 4.5 hours with a RotoZip to cut the glass pane down to a narrow strip that was much more to our liking.

-Tim

tgreene · 02/21/2008, 07:40 AM

Quote:

by jahorgos
I will give my teeth a good cleaning tonight and see if that helps.

9 out of 10 dentists would say it does!

tkeracer619 · 02/21/2008, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tgreene
9 out of 10 dentists would say it does!

What does that 1 out of 10 say?

tgreene · 02/21/2008, 12:12 PM

Root Canal, $900 please..?

02/21/2008, 07:19 AM	#1
jahorgos Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 134	Getting Rid of a Center Brace? I have a glass center brace on my 125 gallon (glass) tank roughly 12-14" long. I would like to get rid of it but I have no idea if thats possible? I figure some sort of thin steel rod could go across the top center section in place of it. The reason I want to do this is because you can see it when looking in the tank (from the front) and it tends to break up some flow. I figure a medium bolt sized rod or two or three medium sized rods could brace the tank in the middle from the top and then it will support the tank but not be in the water annoying me. Any thoughts on what to do or if this is plausible? Last edited by jahorgos; 02/21/2008 at 07:26 AM.

02/21/2008, 07:39 AM	#4
tgreene Registered Member. Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jonesboro, AR Posts: 2,712	Actually, if the center brace is submerged, it's easiest to reduce the flow on your return pump. If what you're referring to is a large wide pane of glass that takes up the center 1/3 of your tank (and blocks light) however, it IS possible to cut it down, but it's a major pain in the arse. A friend and I just did it with his new 125 that we setup a month ago, and it took us about 4.5 hours with a RotoZip to cut the glass pane down to a narrow strip that was much more to our liking. -Tim __________________ WWBAD Current Tank Info: 157g custom Starphire display, 450g frag system, 285g fish QT system, 400g Shark tank

02/21/2008, 12:12 PM	#7
tgreene Registered Member. Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jonesboro, AR Posts: 2,712	Root Canal, $900 please..? __________________ WWBAD Current Tank Info: 157g custom Starphire display, 450g frag system, 285g fish QT system, 400g Shark tank

02/21/2008, 07:29 AM	#2
frank2926 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: phila Posts: 1,645	I do not think the center brace should be under water. Are you using hang on the back overflows? or is it reef ready? how far from the top edge of the tank is the brace? If you are using a hang on the back you should be able to lower it deeper into the tank. If its reef ready make sure the teeth are clean, or lower your dursos if you are using them.