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Is this bracket/mount at the top of my 40 gal tank required? What is it? Can I remove it?

SpaceCased

SpaceCased

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Thought I'd ask the community. I'm wanting to put an built aqua scape into this tank but these planks are in the way. Can I just cut them out? Are they required for strength? If required would it be a smart idea to cut them out, place the aquascape in, and silicone them back? Would that just cause problems down the line?

Thanks
PXL_20241210_164437478.jpg
 
SpaceCased said:
Thought I'd ask the community. I'm wanting to put an built aqua scape into this tank but these planks are in the way. Can I just cut them out? Are they required for strength? If required would it be a smart idea to cut them out, place the aquascape in, and silicone them back? Would that just cause problems down the line?

Thanks
View attachment 63702
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Do not it’s meant to support the front and back from bowing.
 
DaddyHook said:
Do not it’s meant to support the front and back from bowing.
Click to expand...
Ok. I understand the structural element. So can I temporally remove it and glue to back? Or would that be too troublesome in the future if I ever have to remove my aquascape. Is removing it ever necessary where I would be ok with a semi permanent installation?
 
Its a 40g. Not much bowing unless the glass is 1/4" thin.

There is already the brown plastic bracing so thats also help prevent bowing.

If the brace looks custom, someone may have added for additonal support due to fear of whatever.

How are the seams? How old is the tank? Thats a rare bracing model.

I would remove it and feel safe.
 
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Interesting design how old is that tank? I've never seen bracing on tanks like only on larger 75 gallons and up.. Hows the silicone seams?
 
The bracing was added for a reason maybe the glass is super thin? Petco a dollar a gallon on their tanks should be coming up soon fyi
 
or to place a light onto? To then hide behind the wide trim piece? I can't tell if it is OEM or aftermarket.
 
Just from the image, I'm guessing this is a fairly old tank and probably designed for freshwater and not plumbed modern reef use. I'd be careful in leak testing as well as checking the existing silicone to see if there's any delamination (if that's the right word) or separation from the adjacent panes. Like @DaddyHook mentioned, those are what are called Eurobracing, and are important to keep strength in the tank. Note that it is pretty narrow/tall and appears to have a plastic rim that *might* be sufficient. But its age and specs worry me.

Edit: just saw your reply, kinda shocked this is a modern tank.
 
Darkxerox said:
Just from the image, I'm guessing this is a fairly old tank and probably designed for freshwater and not plumbed modern reef use. I'd be careful in leak testing as well as checking the existing silicone to see if there's any delamination (if that's the right word) or separation from the adjacent panes. Like @DaddyHook mentioned, those are what are called Eurobracing, and are important to keep strength in the tank. Note that it is pretty narrow/tall and appears to have a plastic rim that *might* be sufficient. But its age and specs worry me.

Edit: just saw your reply, kinda shocked this is a modern tank.
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I thought it was an older model as well lol
 
Is that really the drain pipe with the return pipe inside of it?? I would think surely not but I can’t see any other return. Also convenient that they left that big pipe out of their marketing images.
 
SpaceCased said:
Thought I'd ask the community. I'm wanting to put an built aqua scape into this tank but these planks are in the way. Can I just cut them out? Are they required for strength? If required would it be a smart idea to cut them out, place the aquascape in, and silicone them back? Would that just cause problems down the line?

Thanks
View attachment 63702
Click to expand...
Your picture shows the tank is wider than tall compare to the link picture. Can't find any Aqua Dream tank without the canopy, therefore unable to confirm the extra brace.
 
Its their advertised 50 gal. It doesnt shot the bracket at all in any photos. I emailed them to ask.

aquadreamusa.com

Aqua Dream 50 Gallon Tempered Glass Aquarium Redwood

Perfect for any personal aquarium keeper, our tanks are designed to house & breed marine life, coral, aquatic plants, and aquascaping. This all-in-one bundle includes a glass tank, prebuilt aluminum stand, built-in sump filtration system, and LED light. Perfect for helping you start your...
aquadreamusa.com aquadreamusa.com
 
SpaceCased said:
Its their advertised 50 gal. It doesnt shot the bracket at all in any photos. I emailed them to ask.

aquadreamusa.com

Aqua Dream 50 Gallon Tempered Glass Aquarium Redwood

Perfect for any personal aquarium keeper, our tanks are designed to house & breed marine life, coral, aquatic plants, and aquascaping. This all-in-one bundle includes a glass tank, prebuilt aluminum stand, built-in sump filtration system, and LED light. Perfect for helping you start your...
aquadreamusa.com aquadreamusa.com
Click to expand...
There's a lot of things the photos don't show including flying tangs:

1000005444.png


If you can get a refund, we can probably find you a better setup in the same price range.
 
Idk I would leave it with my limited understanding standing of tank design. It would depend on build quality, maybe if you get a response from them, it will give you more information to decide before being rash.

It is however not a massive tank so my thoughts would be it should be fine lmao. Yet I don't wanna see your house get flooded either based on my thoughts.
 
If it was free just make sure you fill and run it outside or garage for a day or so first.. Turn off the power for a while to make sure theres no back siphoning overflowing the sump! Looks like you can even drill more holes up top to increase drainage if needed possibly..Id go with an adjustable flow dc return pump..
The only concern I see is why there are vents at the bottom of tank/ down tube section? It does look like that very very ( unique) intake/outtake one piece bulkhead screws in above those vents to prevent any leakage.. The video does show placing the lights right on the glass shelves/ eurobraces! So maybe that was their only purpose why their a few inches low anyway from the top as to hide the lights as another member mentioned above..Unless you hear otherwise from the manufacturer leave them in.. The tank used to be labeled another name also maybe try looking that up.. The manufacturer does say the printed label in front does come off with fingernail remover if u got a big label in front
Would not recommend that placement of lights so close to the water unless their waterproof ones.. The included light should be fine for fowler or low light softies maybe hard to say without specs..
Best of luck sounds like the begins of a great tank journal journey!
 

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