75 Gallon Center Brace

[theamish]

Hey all,
I have a 75G (4'Lx22"Hx24"W) tank that I am construction a vivarium out of. My question is this, if I only plan on putting a max of 8in of water in it do you think it is ok that I cut the center brace out? It sure would be helpful and getting everything I am contructing(spray foa & eggcrate) into the tank without having to break it down.


BTW 8in is the absolute max water I will be putting in the tank, more then likely it will be closer to 4 or 5in across the entire bottom.


Thanks Everyone!

[Athen]

that is a good question. the center brace you are referring to is the solid glass piece in the center of the top correct? if so i have to ask is that there for a structural support or is it just simply to reduce the hassle and clumsiness or having a solid screen top the full size of the tank?

[Jason]

Keep the Center brace intact and make 2 lids, this way you can acsess one side at a time and not subject the Viv to a great outflux of humidity and air temp, this will also help keep any critters that may stick to the sides from makein a jump before you can bring your hand 4 feet to the other side. Createing two lids will also alow you to place misting and or watering heads in such a way that you wont have to move or ajust them everytime you want to go in and fix or remove something. Aside from that you will be having at 8" max depth 40 gallons of water bouncing in at a nice 340 pounds heh, better safe then sorry imho

[Athen]

given the light of the info jason just gave with 340lbs of water it is indeed better safe than sorry and even if the part wasnt intended as a structural brace it still adds to the overall integrity by default keep it in i say!

[theamish]

Fair Enough, cant argue with the facts..... i'll just have to work around it!

Thanks All!!!