Cutting center brace off of tank top, help me decide!

[dakota9]

It's held water outside for 24 hours now, I'll check it for plumb and level when I get home (make sure its still a rectangle and not a bowfront). Hoefully it will be fine, cause that babys going in the house gtomorrow!

 

[george]

It'll probably bow some. My 40 breeder (18" high x 36" wide front) bows a bit more than 1/4" at the center. I'd imagine the center bracing on tanks is a bit more to stop bowing than for structural integrity. I know I had to allow for the bow when I made a hood.

 

[dakota9]

Tank has been up for almost a week with zero bowing!

 

[justonemoretank]

Still ok eh? Well then if it has made it for a week and it is not bowing then I think that you are in the clear. *fingers crossed for luck*

 

[dakota9]

Almost three weeks now, not even bowing a little bit.

Honestly, I think the center brace is there for the manufactorer's benefit, as it's the exact same brace on top as the one on bottom, and its cheaper to only buy and stock one part, rather than paying for, and stocking two different braces.

That being said, I'll go gewt the wet vac and put it beside the tank now for when it does break! LOL!