Are They Necessary Or Can I Remove Them?

[fett999]

Hi all.
I have got a 3ft tank which I want to get up and running as soon as poss to up-grade from my current one.
It has a glass strip on each side inside the tank, I think just for a drip tray to sit on. Is this integral or can it be removed either on all 4 sides or if necessary just on one side.
Reason I want to do this is so that I can get my Fluval 3 + filter in and out easily when doing maintanence on it. As you probably know, the 3 + is attached to the glass by a sucker pad which the filter slides onto, so the glass strips will make it a bit more of a pain.
Also as they are a good couple of inches down , if they're all removed I can get another inch worth of water in.
Any and all advice gratefully recieved.
Cheers.

 

[fatheadminnow]

It would help if you had a pic, but I am pretty sure I know what you are talking about?

These glass strips are there for support. They hold the side glass from bowing out and breaking. If you had a picture I could confirm my reasoning for sure. But if they are what I think they are, then no, they cannot be removed or the tank may suffer catastrophic failure when filled with water.

EDIT: If you scroll down I think there is a picture of what you are talking about? "Tank Bracing" http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/289082-a-pictorial-reef-build-adventure/

-FHM

 

[fett999]

Hi FHM.
Sorry for no pics, but yeah thats what I was talking about.
I'll have to leave them in then. Glad I checked first. Cheers.
Thanks for the info. Just shows I've still got a lot to learn. Lol.
I'll just have to wangle the filter about to get it out when I need to clean it. Won't be too much hassle, just wondered if I could remove the hassle completely. Lol.
Can I fill the tank to just below the braces or should I leave some space?