Centerbraces can we do without them?

BeesGoneWild · 03/31/2007, 08:04 PM

Yeah im an idiot, i put down my metal halide pendant that was on on my centerbrace on my 46gallon bowfront and when i picked it up i melted part of it.....

Anyway the stupid thing(centerbrace) gets in the way all the time, So how bout it should i just cut it out?

dc_909 · 03/31/2007, 08:10 PM

I would leave it because it is used for support. If it is melted it should still help in supporting.

jepuskar · 03/31/2007, 08:12 PM

I would read this thread before cutting anything.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1086200

t5Nitro · 03/31/2007, 08:14 PM

To get away from the centerbrace, you probably need a custom tank that is euro braced, which will have no center brace and stronger around the edges.

BeesGoneWild · 03/31/2007, 08:16 PM

uuuuhhhhhggggg.i can start worring now i guess. Ill leave it as it is and keep my eye on it. Luckily i have a 29gallon in storage if i need to make a quick move.

jasontg99 · 03/31/2007, 08:46 PM

I had a 37G in which the center brace broke. I used an adjustable clamp on the tank till the new brace came in at my LFS. Your LFS should be able to order yours as well. I used my dremel to cut off the part of the brace that overhangs the tank, then gently used a chisel to remove the glue and the rest of the brace. Apply aquarium glue to the new brace and install. I did keep the clamp on the tank another day or two till the glue cured. It may sound like a pain, but I think it was easier than buying a new tank and transferring everything. Good luck!

Jason

Pistonkev · 03/31/2007, 09:11 PM

Center braces are like brains they are there for a reason. Some people don't use them causing death or a serious injury.

jmait769 · 03/31/2007, 10:58 PM

Definitely repair it! DIY center brace replaced with acrylic discussed in this thread:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...+brace+acrylic

Good luck!!

Jay

JENnKerry · 04/01/2007, 06:32 AM

We have 3 250 MH's on our 125 that has a center brace. The first day the halides were on we started to smell something "burning". Turns out it was the center brace. So then Jen got creative and wrapped the center brace in aluminum foil. Problem solved.

Jaymann · 04/01/2007, 08:23 AM

I just cut off mine and used the mod about 2 months ago and its great!!

03/31/2007, 08:04 PM	#1
BeesGoneWild Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: North Eastern Pennsylvannia Posts: 1,064	Centerbraces can we do without them? Yeah im an idiot, i put down my metal halide pendant that was on on my centerbrace on my 46gallon bowfront and when i picked it up i melted part of it..... Anyway the stupid thing(centerbrace) gets in the way all the time, So how bout it should i just cut it out?

03/31/2007, 08:14 PM	#4
t5Nitro Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 4,384	To get away from the centerbrace, you probably need a custom tank that is euro braced, which will have no center brace and stronger around the edges. __________________ ATI T5 club Current Tank Info: Left the hobby, looking to re-enter in the future

03/31/2007, 10:58 PM	#8
jmait769 -CSHFLW Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Las Cruces, NM Posts: 2,685	Definitely repair it! DIY center brace replaced with acrylic discussed in this thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...+brace+acrylic Good luck!! Jay __________________ "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work" - Thomas Alva Edison http://www.reeftronics.net/jay-m/reefcam Current Tank Info: 150 Gallon, Marco Rocks, 8x80W ATI Powermodule, Apex, Super Reef Octopus XP-3000 external

04/01/2007, 06:32 AM	#9
JENnKerry Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Jersey Posts: 7,384	We have 3 250 MH's on our 125 that has a center brace. The first day the halides were on we started to smell something "burning". Turns out it was the center brace. So then Jen got creative and wrapped the center brace in aluminum foil. Problem solved. __________________ We Don't Have a Signature..... Current Tank Info: 125 Gallon Reef

03/31/2007, 08:10 PM	#2
dc_909 Moved On Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 3,260	I would leave it because it is used for support. If it is melted it should still help in supporting.

03/31/2007, 08:12 PM	#3
jepuskar Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 595	I would read this thread before cutting anything. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1086200

03/31/2007, 08:16 PM	#5
BeesGoneWild Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: North Eastern Pennsylvannia Posts: 1,064	uuuuhhhhhggggg.i can start worring now i guess. Ill leave it as it is and keep my eye on it. Luckily i have a 29gallon in storage if i need to make a quick move.

03/31/2007, 08:46 PM	#6
jasontg99 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Portsmouth, Va Posts: 131	I had a 37G in which the center brace broke. I used an adjustable clamp on the tank till the new brace came in at my LFS. Your LFS should be able to order yours as well. I used my dremel to cut off the part of the brace that overhangs the tank, then gently used a chisel to remove the glue and the rest of the brace. Apply aquarium glue to the new brace and install. I did keep the clamp on the tank another day or two till the glue cured. It may sound like a pain, but I think it was easier than buying a new tank and transferring everything. Good luck! Jason

03/31/2007, 09:11 PM	#7
Pistonkev Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Santa Barbara Posts: 1,107	Center braces are like brains they are there for a reason. Some people don't use them causing death or a serious injury.

04/01/2007, 08:23 AM	#10
Jaymann Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 50	I just cut off mine and used the mod about 2 months ago and its great!!