Is this center plastic strip on bow front aquatium needed?

[LMDAVE]

When I purchased this Marineland bowfeont aquarium there was a little sticker on the top center strip saying don’t use as handle..duh...but also said don’t fill if missing. Could this plastic strip possible be any type of structural support to the front? I want to remove it because its blacking out a good portion of my LED light strip.

 

[cwalton00]

Hmm if it says don't fill if missing I would bet it's needed lol

 

[Leslie Tabor]

You don't want to remove that...it says "don't fill if missing" because that is part of the structural integrity of the tank. It keeps the front glass from bowing, in your case, more than it should. It puts extra stress on the seams of the tank if the brace is not there.

 

[WWIII]

Yes it is needed, unfortunately. I've had one break (center brace) on a 55 gallon and the glass eventually deflected out over an inch. I took it down before it got too far, but have no doubt it would give way eventually.

 

[cwalton00]

Sorry sounded a bit harsh but you already said duh to not picking it up there.

 

[LMDAVE]

Yeah no problem this many opinions this fast definitely stops me from making a stupid move. I’ve seen picture of some who cut it off but not sure how that worked for them. I ll accept a little loss of par in that section then to save the tank. Lol. Thanks for the quick responses