BEZEL ?

[Mr Pleco]

Does the plastic trim (bezel) on the top of a glass aquarium provide any structural integrity? Looking at a used tank however this piece is cracked, chipped...

Can I remove it entirely ? or where would I be able to purchase a replacement?
any DIY ideas? tank is 48x18x30

 

[CLDarnell]

Hello!

I have seen a few people running tanks without the trim piece. It isn't designed to add structural strength to a tank (in regards to common "production" tanks). It does make a nice place to install covers/lids etc though of course. It also will help protect the glass from chipping when you accidentally bang something into it and can protect you from any sharp edges.

You can buy new trim pieces. Someone here recently posted a DIY on replacing the trim. It was a nice write up. I believe they said it was around $30 for a new piece.

Is the current piece repairable? Would you be able to turn the tank so the repaired section is on the back side?

 

[CLDarnell]

Here is a link to the DIY. Credit goes to MFK member Moloch.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=373211

Good luck!

 

[Mr Pleco]

Hello!

I have seen a few people running tanks without the trim piece. It isn't designed to add structural strength to a tank (in regards to common "production" tanks). It does make a nice place to install covers/lids etc though of course. It also will help protect the glass from chipping when you accidentally bang something into it and can protect you from any sharp edges.

You can buy new trim pieces. Someone here recently posted a DIY on replacing the trim. It was a nice write up. I believe they said it was around $30 for a new piece.

Is the current piece repairable? Would you be able to turn the tank so the repaired section is on the back side?

Thanks for the reply, seen your posts on MCA regarding KC trip..

 

[albyoscar]

unless it has a center piece attached at the top of the tank the trim does add structural integrity to the top of the tank . without it the top will bow out . what size tank is it ? also last time i looked at thier website glass cages sold trim pieces

 

[Mr Pleco]

unless it has a center piece attached at the top of the tank the trim does add structural integrity to the top of the tank . without it the top will bow out . what size tank is it ? also last time i looked at thier website glass cages sold trim pieces

thanks it's a 4ft 110, its tall which is the reason for my concern..
went on GC. looks like a 90 trim piece will fit. My Midas (14"-15")keeps getting larger and he needs a new environment.. hes my avatar on the HAAS forum.

sorry to hear about the BGK

 

[amonra]

unless it has a center piece attached at the top of the tank the trim does add structural integrity to the top of the tank . without it the top will bow out . what size tank is it ? also last time i looked at thier website glass cages sold trim pieces

I just bought a 100 gal (60 x 18 x 20) and the top trim on a side piece is completely missing. The other 3 wood pieces are still there, but they truthfully dont look all that strong.
Does it matter that it is a side that does not have a center brace?
This tank has a glass brace from the front to back along with the real wod top trim.
Its also 1/2" glass all the way round (if that makes a difference).

 

[amonra]

Anybody?
I am thinking now, that witht the center glass brace that this tank has and the 1/2" glass all the way round that I could go rimless on this tank.

Anybody have any idea if thats the case?

I got it filled up and it has a leak on the bottom front so it looks like I will also be doing my first reseal as well.
Wish me luck.

 

[CLDarnell]

Hello!

Wow, I originally replied to this thread but never came back

You seem to have the same question as the OP. You "can" go rimless, but you will have the same concerns to consider as in my original reply.

I still contend that the trim work and even center brace on top add no structural integrity to the tank itself. My 150 tall has a flimsy, plastic center support. With no effort at all, I can move it up and down 1/4". If this piece was actually holding the sides in, there would be a tremendous amount of tension on it. The same is true of my 55. The 150 is a Marineland and the 55 is an Oceanic.

In your case, if you're going to reseal, you should go ahead and redo the trim on top. It will look better in the long run

Good luck!

 

[amonra]

Hello!

Wow, I originally replied to this thread but never came back

You seem to have the same question as the OP. You "can" go rimless, but you will have the same concerns to consider as in my original reply.

I still contend that the trim work and even center brace on top add no structural integrity to the tank itself. My 150 tall has a flimsy, plastic center support. With no effort at all, I can move it up and down 1/4". If this piece was actually holding the sides in, there would be a tremendous amount of tension on it. The same is true of my 55. The 150 is a Marineland and the 55 is an Oceanic.

In your case, if you're going to reseal, you should go ahead and redo the trim on top. It will look better in the long run

Good luck!

I would like to re-do the trim as well but I cant for the life of me find any trim online that is over a four foot footprint.
I also mis-spoke, the glass is actually 3/8" not the 1/2" I had guessed earlier.
Would that 1/8" make that much of a difference that it would "make or break" the chance at going rimless?
Or better yet where do I find a trim for a large tank?