question about the venter brace on a 46g bowfront

So, my father is setting up a 46g bowfront tank and wantes to cut the center brace out to avoid shadows. I told him I was pretty sure is was needed to prevent the tank from bowing out and breaking but figured I would defer the question to you guys . Can it be removed?

 

Any tank with crossbrace shouldn't have it removed

 

OMG! ....do not remove. Unless your an engineer and can re-brace the tank in some other places to make up the difference.

 

That's what I said! Lol

 

my 46 broke its center brace i needed a bg clamp to hold it together from breaking

 

In my experience it is the absolute worst idea to cut the brace. The 72 and 46 bowfronts with a full water load will bow out an extra inch or MORE with the center brace broken or removed. I work at a fish store and have seen customers come in with stories of the front glass blown out cause they thought nothing of it.