Remove Tank Brace?

DLuce510 · Mar 28, 2016

Has anyone ever replaced a black center brace with clear acrylic?
My plan, if it will work or has already been done is to glue 2 3/8" acrylic braces on each side of the original brace, then cut the original brace out.
Comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

hybridazn · Mar 28, 2016

I've done this but with glass. Glass and acrylic won't make as strong of a bond as glass to glass will. I wouldn't trust an acrylic bond for the braces. Do the same idea you have and just use glass with beveled edges.

DLuce510 · Mar 28, 2016

Thanks for the suggestion! My brace is acrylic, do you think a acrylic strip glued down with acrylic glue to acrylic wouldn't be stronger than glass glued with silicone to the acrylic brace?

Salty1962 · Mar 28, 2016

I replaced one before. I left enough of the black brace in place to use nylon bolts to anchor the clear piece back in. Be sure to brace your tank while your doing it so you won't crack or loose a seal on your tank.

cilyjr · Mar 29, 2016

I cut mine out leaving a tab. Drilled 2 holes on each side and ysed nylon screws. There are some extra pieces I cut out under the tab to make drilling the holes easier. I used a jamb saw to do this. Please use a bar clamp to brace the tank while doing this if it's full. Here's a picture of finished product

cilyjr · Mar 29, 2016

Different view

DLuce510 · Mar 29, 2016

Thank you guys, it's helped a lot. Definitely see the direction I'm going to take.

Salty1962 · Mar 30, 2016

cilyjr said:
I cut mine out leaving a tab. Drilled 2 holes on each side and ysed nylon screws. There are some extra pieces I cut out under the tab to make drilling the holes easier. I used a jamb saw to do this. Please use a bar clamp to brace the tank while doing this if it's full. Here's a picture of finished product

That's what I was saying above, great minds think alike.