Can I safely remove the center brace and add Euro bracing or something similar?

MarineGirl411 · 07/04/2007, 01:55 AM

I like my 150g. I just hate the center brace. It's a pain to clean with it there. Is there a safe way to remove it and maybe place bracing around just the sides? Some type of euro bracing? I need suggestions please. TY

EBOLII · 07/04/2007, 07:58 AM

What type of tank? Glass vs. acrylic?

WharfRat · 07/04/2007, 10:07 AM

No you cannot remove the center brace from your tank. Its built in to keep the glass from blowing apart when the tank is full. Glass will bow under the pressure of the water wanting to get out of its confinement. I just went through trying to fix a 55 that had a broken center brace and had it rebreak three times after trying to fix it. I ended up replacing the top trim.

Aqua Keepers · 07/04/2007, 10:44 AM

Micronaut, He wants to remove the center brace and replace it with a eurobrace. In a nutshell, it can be done.

WharfRat · 07/04/2007, 11:48 AM

I should have made my point clearer. You should not mess with the manufacturers original bracing on a tank that size. Its designed to do a specific job.

Aqua Keepers · 07/04/2007, 11:58 AM

A eurobrace would provide the same function as the manufacturers original bracing. However you would void any warrenty that the manufacturers give you.

MarineGirl411 · 07/04/2007, 12:42 PM

It is a glass tank. I was wondering if something that goes around acrylic tanks would work? That type of bracing? I believe it is Euro Bracing. I've heard of others replacing the center brace with Acrylic to let light shine through. Just wondering if it would work for me. If not. Please let me know. TY

Aqua Keepers · 07/04/2007, 12:50 PM

You could replace the center brace with Acrylic or do a eurobrace made from glass. Either one would work for you, but I'm not sure of the sizes you would need to make them for your tank. Is your tank filled with water? If so, you'll either need to empty it or use some type of clamps while doing the switch.

MarineGirl411 · 07/04/2007, 01:08 PM

I would empty it. Do you have any links for directions on how to do this? The tank measures 48X24X30. I just want to make sure it's safe. If not, then I will just sell it and save for a different tank. Thank you.

WharfRat · 07/04/2007, 01:28 PM

Do you know the expansion of your tank when full and have you taken this into account for making the brace?

EBOLII · 07/04/2007, 01:31 PM

If it is glass then I would use glass. If you go to http://www.glasscages.com/ you can see various pictures of glass Euro-braced tanks that would suit your needs. As far as getting rid of your tank I would weigh the mod vs. cost of a new tank

Sassafras · 07/04/2007, 01:39 PM

I have seen a six-foot glass tank (72"L x 20"W x 24"H) that had its 14" wide glass center brace removed and replaced with two threaded rods fastened to two brackets that fitted over the top edge of the tank. The rods were bolted to the brackets that were about 12" wide and about 2" deep The owner did this to accomodate a three MH lamp lighting configuration with a center lamp. The tank had been modifed this way for about 3 years when I saw it and the owner said that there was no measureable bowing change from the original bracing.

Not a recommendation, just a an observation. Anyone else know of glass tanks braced in this manner?

MarineGirl411 · 07/04/2007, 01:44 PM

I was just getting some idea's. If I cannot safely do it, then I am going to have to buy a Tech Tank. It's going to cost quite a bit. =( Around 950.00+tax including the tank. Unless I get it on sale. So if I could do this safely to the tank I already have, then that's what I'd do. If I cannot do this safely, then I will just sell mine and save for a tank that does not have a center brace. Something short as well because I am very short. 5' 3 1/2". So I need to be able to get down to the bottom of a tank if possible.

Aqua Keepers · 07/04/2007, 04:37 PM

MarineGirl411, Plenty of people have safely done both of the mods I mentioned above. No need to go buy a new tank. You just need to get some more info. I'll try to find some links for you. I can tell you right now that it'll be way cheaper to mod your tank than to buy a new one. And even cheaper to replace the center brace with clear acrylic rather than buying glass for a eurobrace. I thin I seen the tank that Sassafras is speaking of. If I remember right he used metal rods, But metal will eventually rust.

EBOLII · 07/04/2007, 04:55 PM

I am not disputing on pito's post. People tend to have trouble with adhering acrylic to glass. It is safe to go with glass on glass or acrylic on acrylicâ€¦.this is all I am trying to say

I also would do the mod and save the cash for say a great skimmer

Aqua Keepers · 07/04/2007, 05:00 PM

Ebolii Is right. When eurobraceing a glass tank you must use glass, and with an acrylic tank you use acrylic.

Aqua Keepers · 07/04/2007, 05:17 PM

Could'nt find any reall great threads but this one should give you a good idea of what you need to do with either of the two options I gave you.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=793396

BeanAnimal · 07/04/2007, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by micronaut
Do you know the expansion of your tank when full and have you taken this into account for making the brace?

Your making this much harder than it needs to be... In most cases a DIY center brace or eurobracing will be stronger than the junk trim from the factory.

If it were me, I would op for a clear center brace made of acryic. I would leave the old trim on the tank and cut the center brace, leaving several inches of plastic to bolt the new clear centr brace onto. 1/2" acrylic would be MORE than sufficient.

Eurobracing a glass tank will work, but the bond between the sides and the brace is critical. Add in the eased glass edges for safety and the area over the tank that they will consume... the idea kind of sucks. They make cleaning hard and leave a lot of surface area for crud to collect.

BeanAnimal · 07/04/2007, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sassafras
I have seen a six-foot glass tank (72"L x 20"W x 24"H) that had its 14" wide glass center brace removed and replaced with two threaded rods fastened to two brackets that fitted over the top edge of the tank. The rods were bolted to the brackets that were about 12" wide and about 2" deep The owner did this to accomodate a three MH lamp lighting configuration with a center lamp. The tank had been modifed this way for about 3 years when I saw it and the owner said that there was no measureable bowing change from the original bracing.

Not a recommendation, just a an observation. Anyone else know of glass tanks braced in this manner?

A simple bar clamp or two would do the same thing. Stainless threaded rod... etc.

We are not talking about a tremendous amount of force here folks.

MarineGirl411 · 07/04/2007, 07:35 PM

He never said what happened. I don't think I could do that. I'd be too scared. Esp with all the money invested in livestock. I'd die if anything happened to my fish and corals.

Aqua Keepers · 07/04/2007, 07:44 PM

No need to empty the tank and risk loosing live stock. Just use a bar clamp or two to keep preesure on the top of the tank while you replace the center brace with acrylic. Probably would'nt even take 20min.

sanababit · 07/05/2007, 01:23 AM

hello guys, heres my mod on my tank, i put a piece of acrylic because moonlight was exactly on the center of light strip, and it bothered me, now the light shines fully and at night it looks great, good luck

sana

MarineGirl411 · 07/05/2007, 02:05 AM

Looks good. I don't think I can do it. I'd be worried all the time. No, there are no corals in it right now. Just some freshwater fish that are going to be moved to their 30gal planted. None of the big fish are in there anymore. I'd never do anything to a tank that was filled. If I was asking on a smaller tank, it might be worth the risk, but 150g worth of water, fish, corals etc. Can't. If there was a definite yes I could do it, then I would. I just can't risk my babies. I'll have to just suck it up and spend too much money!!!! BLAH!!!!! Trust me, I'd rather just use this tank. :::sigh

Aqua Keepers · 07/05/2007, 07:09 AM

I don't know of one person that has done this mod and had it fail. Your fish are all going to a different tank. So empty the tank and do the mod. Don't be scarred. Do you have a local reef club? Maybe someone from the club can give you a hand to assure that you're doing it ok. However, You could use this as an excuse to buy a larger tank.

07/04/2007, 01:55 AM	#1
MarineGirl411 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 2,583	Can I safely remove the center brace and add Euro bracing or something similar? I like my 150g. I just hate the center brace. It's a pain to clean with it there. Is there a safe way to remove it and maybe place bracing around just the sides? Some type of euro bracing? I need suggestions please. TY __________________ I am a reefaholic and there is no cure. =) Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef, Cardiff Nano Seahorse tank.

07/04/2007, 07:58 AM	#2
EBOLII Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Deep within the uncharted Amazon Posts: 400	What type of tank? Glass vs. acrylic? __________________ I am lost in every-way there is.............literally.............just plain LOST

07/04/2007, 10:07 AM	#3
WharfRat Celebrating 9 sober years Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: orlando Posts: 279	No you cannot remove the center brace from your tank. Its built in to keep the glass from blowing apart when the tank is full. Glass will bow under the pressure of the water wanting to get out of its confinement. I just went through trying to fix a 55 that had a broken center brace and had it rebreak three times after trying to fix it. I ended up replacing the top trim. __________________ ~A Little Research Goes a Long Way~ Current Tank Info: 90 mixed sps, softies, verts, fish..probably some other stuff

07/04/2007, 11:48 AM	#5
WharfRat Celebrating 9 sober years Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: orlando Posts: 279	I should have made my point clearer. You should not mess with the manufacturers original bracing on a tank that size. Its designed to do a specific job. __________________ ~A Little Research Goes a Long Way~ Current Tank Info: 90 mixed sps, softies, verts, fish..probably some other stuff

07/04/2007, 12:42 PM	#7
MarineGirl411 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 2,583	It is a glass tank. I was wondering if something that goes around acrylic tanks would work? That type of bracing? I believe it is Euro Bracing. I've heard of others replacing the center brace with Acrylic to let light shine through. Just wondering if it would work for me. If not. Please let me know. TY __________________ I am a reefaholic and there is no cure. =) Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef, Cardiff Nano Seahorse tank.

07/04/2007, 10:44 AM	#4
Aqua Keepers Moved On Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Clearwater,Fl Posts: 2,915	Micronaut, He wants to remove the center brace and replace it with a eurobrace. In a nutshell, it can be done.

07/04/2007, 11:58 AM	#6
Aqua Keepers Moved On Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Clearwater,Fl Posts: 2,915	A eurobrace would provide the same function as the manufacturers original bracing. However you would void any warrenty that the manufacturers give you.

07/04/2007, 12:50 PM	#8
Aqua Keepers Moved On Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Clearwater,Fl Posts: 2,915	You could replace the center brace with Acrylic or do a eurobrace made from glass. Either one would work for you, but I'm not sure of the sizes you would need to make them for your tank. Is your tank filled with water? If so, you'll either need to empty it or use some type of clamps while doing the switch.

07/04/2007, 01:08 PM	#9
MarineGirl411 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 2,583	I would empty it. Do you have any links for directions on how to do this? The tank measures 48X24X30. I just want to make sure it's safe. If not, then I will just sell it and save for a different tank. Thank you. __________________ I am a reefaholic and there is no cure. =) Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef, Cardiff Nano Seahorse tank.

07/04/2007, 01:28 PM	#10
WharfRat Celebrating 9 sober years Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: orlando Posts: 279	Do you know the expansion of your tank when full and have you taken this into account for making the brace? __________________ ~A Little Research Goes a Long Way~ Current Tank Info: 90 mixed sps, softies, verts, fish..probably some other stuff

07/04/2007, 01:31 PM	#11
EBOLII Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Deep within the uncharted Amazon Posts: 400	If it is glass then I would use glass. If you go to http://www.glasscages.com/ you can see various pictures of glass Euro-braced tanks that would suit your needs. As far as getting rid of your tank I would weigh the mod vs. cost of a new tank __________________ I am lost in every-way there is.............literally.............just plain LOST

07/04/2007, 01:39 PM	#12
Sassafras Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Mississippi Posts: 8	I have seen a six-foot glass tank (72"L x 20"W x 24"H) that had its 14" wide glass center brace removed and replaced with two threaded rods fastened to two brackets that fitted over the top edge of the tank. The rods were bolted to the brackets that were about 12" wide and about 2" deep The owner did this to accomodate a three MH lamp lighting configuration with a center lamp. The tank had been modifed this way for about 3 years when I saw it and the owner said that there was no measureable bowing change from the original bracing. Not a recommendation, just a an observation. Anyone else know of glass tanks braced in this manner?

07/04/2007, 01:44 PM	#13
MarineGirl411 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 2,583	I was just getting some idea's. If I cannot safely do it, then I am going to have to buy a Tech Tank. It's going to cost quite a bit. =( Around 950.00+tax including the tank. Unless I get it on sale. So if I could do this safely to the tank I already have, then that's what I'd do. If I cannot do this safely, then I will just sell mine and save for a tank that does not have a center brace. Something short as well because I am very short. 5' 3 1/2". So I need to be able to get down to the bottom of a tank if possible. __________________ I am a reefaholic and there is no cure. =) Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef, Cardiff Nano Seahorse tank.

07/04/2007, 04:37 PM	#14
Aqua Keepers Moved On Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Clearwater,Fl Posts: 2,915	MarineGirl411, Plenty of people have safely done both of the mods I mentioned above. No need to go buy a new tank. You just need to get some more info. I'll try to find some links for you. I can tell you right now that it'll be way cheaper to mod your tank than to buy a new one. And even cheaper to replace the center brace with clear acrylic rather than buying glass for a eurobrace. I thin I seen the tank that Sassafras is speaking of. If I remember right he used metal rods, But metal will eventually rust.

07/04/2007, 04:55 PM	#15
EBOLII Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Deep within the uncharted Amazon Posts: 400	I am not disputing on pito's post. People tend to have trouble with adhering acrylic to glass. It is safe to go with glass on glass or acrylic on acrylicâ€¦.this is all I am trying to say I also would do the mod and save the cash for say a great skimmer __________________ I am lost in every-way there is.............literally.............just plain LOST

07/04/2007, 05:00 PM	#16
Aqua Keepers Moved On Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Clearwater,Fl Posts: 2,915	Ebolii Is right. When eurobraceing a glass tank you must use glass, and with an acrylic tank you use acrylic.

07/04/2007, 05:17 PM	#17
Aqua Keepers Moved On Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Clearwater,Fl Posts: 2,915	Could'nt find any reall great threads but this one should give you a good idea of what you need to do with either of the two options I gave you. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=793396

07/04/2007, 07:35 PM	#20
MarineGirl411 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 2,583	He never said what happened. I don't think I could do that. I'd be too scared. Esp with all the money invested in livestock. I'd die if anything happened to my fish and corals. __________________ I am a reefaholic and there is no cure. =) Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef, Cardiff Nano Seahorse tank.

07/04/2007, 07:44 PM	#21
Aqua Keepers Moved On Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Clearwater,Fl Posts: 2,915	No need to empty the tank and risk loosing live stock. Just use a bar clamp or two to keep preesure on the top of the tank while you replace the center brace with acrylic. Probably would'nt even take 20min.

07/05/2007, 01:23 AM	#22
sanababit Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Uranus Posts: 3,094	hello guys, heres my mod on my tank, i put a piece of acrylic because moonlight was exactly on the center of light strip, and it bothered me, now the light shines fully and at night it looks great, good luck sana __________________ Senior Member of the "Hardly any Water Changes, Temp Swinging, T5ing, No Qtining, Frag Exchanging for Fish Food Current Tank Info: 90RR inwall, Octopuss Skimmer, 2 MP40 wQD, 1 MP10 WQD, 2 Radions G4 Pro, Apex Doser, Apex Controller, 400w heater, 30 Gal Sump, Biopellets, Carbon, Gfo, Macroalgae

07/05/2007, 02:05 AM	#23
MarineGirl411 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 2,583	Looks good. I don't think I can do it. I'd be worried all the time. No, there are no corals in it right now. Just some freshwater fish that are going to be moved to their 30gal planted. None of the big fish are in there anymore. I'd never do anything to a tank that was filled. If I was asking on a smaller tank, it might be worth the risk, but 150g worth of water, fish, corals etc. Can't. If there was a definite yes I could do it, then I would. I just can't risk my babies. I'll have to just suck it up and spend too much money!!!! BLAH!!!!! Trust me, I'd rather just use this tank. :::sigh __________________ I am a reefaholic and there is no cure. =) Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef, Cardiff Nano Seahorse tank.

07/05/2007, 07:09 AM	#24
Aqua Keepers Moved On Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Clearwater,Fl Posts: 2,915	I don't know of one person that has done this mod and had it fail. Your fish are all going to a different tank. So empty the tank and do the mod. Don't be scarred. Do you have a local reef club? Maybe someone from the club can give you a hand to assure that you're doing it ok. However, You could use this as an excuse to buy a larger tank.