Cross beam on 75 Gallon

[FE Gunny]

Ok, In the beginning I started out with dual 250 watt 10k MH. I've now added another 250 watt 65k MH... In doing this I had to turn the lights inline with the tank and add the third light with 20 inch reflector to the center.... Now I have a slight shadow from the cross over beam of the tank. Does this cross over beam hold any purpose to the tank stability???? I'm about to cut it out!! Anyway the 750 watts of pure lighting pleasure are awesome with this set up of spectrum!!

[Chip Wick]

DO NOT CUT IT OUT!!!!!!!! It's an integral part of your tank's structure! I had one break, and the tank immediately bulged out (it was full) about 3/4". I can't imagine that is good for glass to move that much. I had to cut the whole plastic rim off (after lowering the water level), and use bar clamps to bring the front and back of the tank close enough to put a new lip on. Major PITA. So, you may get away with it for a while, but I imagine there'd be hell to pay eventually.

[FE Gunny]

Darn... Thats the only thing I can see thats a distractor....but I guess I won't tell anybody it's there! (The Shadow) Once all three lights have turned on...you can't really see it much...but I see it and know its there! Thanks for the speedy reply. I'll leave it in place..

[Geoff]

i would not cut it and leave it open. i have cut the center brace on my 125, but i replaced it with an acyrlic brace. i also did this when the tank was empty so as to keep the stresses the same. when you cut that brace the tank will bow. you will not be able to get the alignment back if there is water in the tank.

i have heard of many stories of people removing the brace, then a couple of years later the seams start leaking.

G~

[FE Gunny]

Thanks, I don't want my "Fish Tank Room" to turn into a "Beach head" of dead things all over the floor...I'll just deal with the little shadow....

[Chip Wick]

That's what I do! Hardly even notice it anymore, I'm too busy hating hair algae!