40b question

[rcillig]

I got a 40g breeder that is already drilled and want to set it up, got it 2nd hand but it has a brace in the middle I want to remove as id have to use 2 light on it if they brace if left intact.... it seems to be the same glass thickness as my other tanks or very close at least. I can't find a tape for the life of me right now. The only marking on the tank is an Aquarium Master on the brace & a production date of 2017 sticker on the bottom. The Aquarium Master site says drilling or removal of the brace voids the warrantee. Which made me chuckle as they must get this question a bunch to put it on their site. Whatca guys think, can I remove it, should I?

I got everything to set up another tank but only one light.... and I tested it and its going to but a put shadow right in the middle of the tank with one light.

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

I would not remove the center brace. I had a 40b as my sump that cracked the center brace. Even at half full there was a noticeable deflection of the glass. I replaced it immediately.

 

[rcillig]

ok fine, I think your right but I still don't like it. I do have another 40b that Ill drill, now I need an overflow for it.... =(

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Drilling is a pain, but wet vacuuming is worse!

 

[rcillig]

ya but drilling a new tank is nothing compared to having to get a 2nd light... and yes no one wants to vacuuming a water mess for sure.

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

You can shine light on the brace.

After 20 years the UV will deteriorate the plastic and the brace will crack , thats how mine broke. The brace also creates a shadow that you have to work around with coral placement. Both issues are better options than the wet vac