Do I need me some trim?

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NVHC651

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 9, 2010
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So I found a smokin' deal on a 60x18x18 that there was no way to pass up :naughty: But the tank is missing the bottom trim.

It's an older tank with 3/8" glass that has 2 glass braces on the top and the top trim is 4 separate pieces. Seems to me the multiple piece trim is there on these tanks with thick glass/glass brace more for decoration and I should be fine without it, anyone have some input? All the info I've found is pretty conflicting.

If it's cool to do without should I put foam or anything down under it? Rather be safe than sorry
 
yes, those bottom plastic "trim" around then bottom of aquariums is for looks. all the strength is in the silicone bond between the glass and the top cross braces. They do act as glass edge protectors more than anything to keep from damaging the bottom edges and starting a crack.
 
I would NOT risk it. The trim on top and bottom is NOT there for looks as above stated. Most if not all of the water pressure and weight is on the bottom and four bottom corners. Running the tank without any bracing at the bottom is asking for the tank to fail. If the trim was there for looks manufacturers would not use it in the production of their tanks.


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Parrotsrule said:
So why do they use it on 10 gallon tanks?
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Smaller tanks don't really need the trim. I have a 20 I made by combing two 10 gallons it doesn't have any trim at all holds just fine. The problem Is the bigger tanks if it was made from factory with a center brace it needs it to function properly. Otherwise the water pressure will bow the glass and it will eventually brake.


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doomiedee said:
I would NOT risk it. The trim on top and bottom is NOT there for looks as above stated. Most if not all of the water pressure and weight is on the bottom and four bottom corners. Running the tank without any bracing at the bottom is asking for the tank to fail. If the trim was there for looks manufacturers would not use it in the production of their tanks.

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Click to expand...

If you pulled off the bottom trim you would see it is there merely for aesthetics and to protector the lower edge of glass. The top trim is another story and is usually part of the center bracing support system.
 
All I gotta say is if you believe it's just for looks go head try it. Ill be waiting for the "my tank is leaking" thread to come. What I stated was fact that I learned the hard way.


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Guess this is a sensitive subject lol Was ur tank an old tank with the 4 piece trim that's just glued to the glass? It's not the new style 1 piece with the plastic cross brace

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NVHC651 said:
Guess this is a sensitive subject lol Was ur tank an old tank with the 4 piece trim that's just glued to the glass? It's not the new style 1 piece with the plastic cross brace

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Not sure who that reply was for but it was an old 55 with a broken bottom trim that I toke off. The trim was. 4 separate pieces. The tank busted from the bottom where the pressure is most. It toke close to two months to brake. I repaired the seal and upgraded the trim to new style trim that's just one piece. The tank held for years and is still up and running.

For the tank you mentioned I WOULD NOT risk it. If it happened to a 55 ,your is twice the size so double the chance of it braking. Weather it's 4 pieces or one the manufacturers make the tank with trim and center braces for a reason and its not just looks.


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