Center Brace on 75: Remove or not (?)

[yellow submarine]

With my new MH lighting I sure would like to remove/cut the center plastic brace (since my tank is open air) .... but dont know if this is a SAFETY issue or not.

Is it OKAY to cut out the black center plastic brace without doing some I'd regret later?

need opinions...

[ReelFreak]

Don't do it......there are threads on ways to replace it w/ Clear acrylic in order to avoid shading....but that's for people using a light over the brace.

Your tank needs that brace IMO or it wouldn't be there. There are custom tanks that use other types of bracing (euro etc.) that won't have the brace, but most glass 75g tanks are going to need it. I've heard and read of people who take them out and the tank will bow over a long period of time...I wouldn't risk it.

[Wiskey]

I agree! Don't remove the centerbrace, the tank will break if you do. You could replace it with acrilic like ReelFreek mentioned but if you don't have to, I wouldn't mess with it.

Whiskey

[VWD]

same here , don't remove it

[110galreef]

Don't remove it. Plus you should have two MH bulbs anyway!

[Loverotties]

Never cut it out!

[pyron88]

You can cut it out but you HAVE to replace it. If you don't your tank will pop. You can get acrylic, cut the piece out and replace the dark one. You leave enough of the old to bolt the clear in it's place. You have to use stainless steel nuts and bolts. 110 is right about "just get two lights."

[Sprayin70]

Just use 2 MH they cover 2 ft by 2 ft. So you should be ok. Or you could use 6 T-5's. But either way do not cut the brace!!!