tank center brace question

[coach_z]

my tank has a center brace and it is currently cracked. i noticed that there are center brace and non center brace frames out there that will fit my tank.

do i need a center brace? the tank is 30x12...i would like to NOT have a center brace, but if i need one i would love to keep 30 gallons of water in the tank and off the floor.

[Turbosaurus]

My AGA 29 gallon tanks are around 30x12x18(tall), same foot print as a 20 long only taller, and none of mine have center braces. Do you know what brand the tank is?

[coach_z]

it is an All glas aquarium (i think, i can find out tonight). the troubling part for me, which i forgot to mention, is that the cracked brace used to touch itself where it was cracked. now there is about a 1/4" gap. kind of as if my tank is slowly becoming a bowfront.

[bazil323]

I'd say that if it has a center brace, then it needs a center brace. Some tanks are designed to be a little thicker to hold the shape with the weight but others are designed to use a center brace to support the weight.

[toddnbecka]

Older tanks made from thicker glass don't have center braces, but if yours has one it's a good idea to replace it. Removing the old piece is a hassle (siliconed on) but necessary to get accurate measurements for the replacement. Alternatively, a couple of pipe clamps (with a suitable piece of pipe) can be used while you wait for the replacement to arrive at your lfs.

[PDX-PLT]

I'd say that if it has a center brace, then it needs a center brace.

Bingo. The engineer(s) that designed the tank wouldn't have specified one if it was not needed. And from your description of the sides bowing out, it sounds like it definitely is needed.