Replacing center brace?

[Armando]

My tank has a thin plastic center brace in the middle. Right where I wanted to hang a pendant (shadow)

I was wondering if it is possible / safe to add two braces a few inches away from the center, one on each side, and remove the center brace.

Thoughts?

 

[Mini4x]

I don't think i'd want to cut it out in a full tank though..

Maybe superglue in a clear acrylic one, or two spaced out, might be an idea.

 

[NateHanson]

You can do it Armando. I'd just replace the existing one with acrylic.

Search for this. I'm sure I've described it more than once.

 

[Mini4x]

I'd probably do 2 spaced evenly apart if you are running a single centered pendant..

 

[NeO]

"Senhor sumindo"
I will give you the acrylic, give me a call!!

 

[Armando]

OK Senhor Workaholic

 

[Armando]

You can do it Armando. I'd just replace the existing one with acrylic.

Search for this. I'm sure I've described it more than once.

Nate I searched for it but it is not what i was planning. i'm thinking more what Mini4x described. 2 braces spaced apart so there's nothing blocking the light in the middle. i think acrylic will block the light especially after it starts to get scratched, stained, algae, salt creep, etc.

 

[NateHanson]

Where would you attach the new braces? Is the rim of your tank stout enough to accomodate attachment of braces in new places?

How about using thin wire cable? That wouldnt' block any light.

 

[Armando]

that's what i was thinking initially, to use cable wires attached to brackets. i saw a presentation at Macna of a large tank using this.

 

[smcnally]

I used thin cable for a 37 Gal and it worked excellant. The easiest way would be to built a wood frame and anchor them to the wood. I used "L" brackets and epoxied them to the plastic fram, but they loosened over time. My canopy held them in place though.

 

[Greg Hiller]

Cover the wire with tape or plastic of some kind so it doesn't rust from salt spray, etc. over time.

 

[Armando]

i had an idea. how about if I screw in an acrylic "open square", like in the pic?

 

[smcnally]

Cover the wire with tape or plastic of some kind so it doesn't rust from salt spray, etc. over time.

I used stainless and it stayed fine for the 4 months I had it on there.

 

[Armando]

what is Lexan and how different it is from acrylic ?

 

[lickwidspace]

maybe thhihs will help

http://www.reeflounge.com/showthread.php?t=4029

 

[Armando]

Before I glue/screw the new brace I'd have to cut the current one. The tank would stay with no brace for a few minutes. Is there a chance the tank could break during this time? This is a 120G tank.

 

[Mini4x]

Is there a chance the tank could break during this time? This is a 120G tank.

Are you willing to take that chance is the question...

I can just see it now, Armando running around Duece Bigelow style picking up fish and corals off the floor and keeping them in his blender while he sets up a new tank...

 

[Armando]

i guess i'm having a chicken-and-egg type of problem