Is it a bad idea to remove the trim from this larger tank?

[TwoTankAmin]

but, I would go with what you are comfortable with, not the advice of some random stranger on the internet either.

I agree, so I went to see what Aqueon says about this:

Can I remove the center brace of my aquarium frame?

No! Removing the center brace on the frame is not recommended. Removing or cutting the center brace will affect the structural integrity of the aquarium. The brace is needed to reinforce front to back support and modifying the brace may cause the aquarium to fail and leak over time. Most of our glass canopies and full hoods require the center brace to be intact to keep them from falling in the tank. In larger aquariums, removal of the center brace can cause the tank to “bow”. The extent of the “bow” could make the lighting products not fit properly. Please note: Removing the center brace or otherwise tampering with the structure of your aquarium will void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Some of our smaller aquariums do not require a center brace, so if your smaller aquarium does not have a brace, this is normal.

from http://aqueonproducts.cvt.int.centr...remove the center brace of my aquarium frame-

I have bought used tanks over the years. One 33 long had the center brace s[;it near the middle. I did a big repair to get the brace functional again. This is a narrow shallow tank and I was not willing to let it go without no center brace. I basically made plastic splints and used a lot of epoxy. That was years ago and the tank is still functioning fine today.

I also was lucky to learn on a 5.5 gal tank what happens if the end of the tank is not supported when even barely 1/2 full with only water in it. The end glass that was not supported split.

 

[meikwle]

I agree, so I went to see what Aqueon says about this:


from http://aqueonproducts.cvt.int.central.com/applinkededucation/cinemafaq/index.htm#Can I remove the center brace of my aquarium frame-

I have bought used tanks over the years. One 33 long had the center brace s[;it near the middle. I did a big repair to get the brace functional again. This is a narrow shallow tank and I was not willing to let it go without no center brace. I basically made plastic splints and used a lot of epoxy. That was years ago and the tank is still functioning fine today.

I also was lucky to learn on a 5.5 gal tank what happens if the end of the tank is not supported when even barely 1/2 full with only water in it. The end glass that was not supported split.

I agree.