Gotta Question...

[Gypsy_Guitarist]

Regarding my 90 gallon aquarium...
I know this is gonna sound stupid... BUT...
Is there a specific reason for the plastic brace/divider part of the rim at the top of my tank that runs in the middle other than for lighting???

I'm actually planning on using a canopy for lighting, PLUS I have a background that I want to install, but I don't want to have to cut the background (and then re-seal it) just to get it in there. I would rather cut the middle piece of the rim off instead, but am not sure if this will affect the support of the glass against the weight of the water.

Not that a plastic piece could make that much of a difference.... or can it?

~D

[bra8ndy8]

If I think I know what your talking about.....it's for support!

[AndrewH]

The glass will bow out at the top since there's so much water pressure at that point.

My 90 gallon is 1/2" glass and doesn't have a center brace and I've had zero problems with it. Something you could do... design and incorporate a center brace into the canopy so that the center of the canopy holds the glass in place/supports it.

[xtc]

how thick is the glass? I have a 90 that doesn't have a center support- glass is pretty thick (1/2"+) - But I'd be real leery of removing that piece unless the glass is as thick as what I have.

PERHAPS, you could remove the center brace, install the background and replace the brace before putting any water in it.

I'd open up the notion of trading glass tubs- but I don't think you wanna do that if your tank is newer, mine has a few small scratches on the glass.

your other option is to cut the background along the rock patterns and try to piece it together so the cuts aren't obvious...

[bra8ndy8]

Or....leave it alone! hehehe

[AndrewH]

I say rip it out... it's only 90 gallons of water... and you live on the upper floor :hehe:

[Gypsy_Guitarist]

I'm not really sure how thick the glass is... I'll have to measure it... but I was afraid of getting the *it's for support* response... LOL!!

Oh well... I guess just to be safe, it would be easier and *safer* just to slice the background in several pieces then reseal them once they are in there.

Thanks so much for the VERY fast feedback. ;)

~D

[AndrewH]

Yeah, that's probably the best idea in the end...

I know Kathy just installed a 2 (maybe more) piece background in a 125 with center brace... you might want to hit her up for some tips as her install was very nice looking!!!

[xtc]

I'd measure 10 times before cutting- you can probably get a good HOT hobby knife that will cut smooth and straight to hide the cut marks. ALSO, check your filters and heater- know where they're gunna go so they don't interfere with the background- a lot of people encounter problems with HOB filters not clearing the background and some strategic cropping is necessary- know what needs to be trimmed before you make any cuts.

[Gypsy_Guitarist]

Yeah, that's probably the best idea in the end...

I know Kathy just installed a 2 (maybe more) piece background in a 125 with center brace... you might want to hit her up for some tips as her install was very nice looking!!!

Thanks fpr the heads up Andrew... I'll see if I can find her on here :D


I'd measure 10 times before cutting- you can probably get a good HOT hobby knife that will cut smooth and straight to hide the cut marks. ALSO, check your filters and heater- know where they're gunna go so they don't interfere with the background- a lot of people encounter problems with HOB filters not clearing the background and some strategic cropping is necessary- know what needs to be trimmed before you make any cuts.

Good point... I will definitely double check my measuring before making any cuts. My only concern really is my Fluval 404... I'm not going to use a HOB on this one, and my heaters are going to rest horizontally at the bottom of the tank on each side, next to my UGJets... that way the heat can be distributed evenly with the upward flow of the current.

[xtc]

sounds like you will be set then. Good luck getting that background in there- with a bit of work- it will be well worth it.

[supersmirky]

Alot of work but it prevents a disaster down the road