Help with Used Tank 90gal

[Raka]

Swooped this off a local group for $100 with some accessories such as a AC110, knew I'd be in for some work on the tank. It's also pretty clear that the bottom silicone gave and the tank developed a leak through there back up the trim in the front.

I planned on redoing silicone in this as well as a 30 to practice however I did not find any silicone on the vertical seems?

Also, should I be concerned with the "splits" in the trim?

I was planning on sanding and repainting the trim black as well as black silicone throughout, but if I dont need it it would be nice to not have it on the vertical seems.

Thanks for any info and advice this is my first tank over 55 so I want it to go right. If I end up just having to salvage the glass for a build I would he okay with that as it is all in very good shape.

And no worries that background is already in the trash.

 

[BIG-G]

Should be able to restore it with a little work.
If the silicone between the glass is bad then you will need to take the tank apart and rebuild.
If the silicone is good between the glass then you could get by with just resealing the inside.
The frame is more or less for looks if you have to remove it try not to break it and you can just reinstall it.
The cracks in the corner of the frame doesn’t really matter because the frame doesn’t hold the tank together it’s just for the finish look.

 

[Raka]

Should be able to restore it with a little work.
If the silicone between the glass is bad then you will need to take the tank apart and rebuild.
If the silicone is good between the glass then you could get by with just resealing the inside.
The frame is more or less for looks if you have to remove it try not to break it and you can just reinstall it.
The cracks in the corner of the frame doesn’t really matter because the frame doesn’t hold the tank together it’s just for the finish look.

Awesome news! The edges and silicone all look great, I cant even find scratches on the glass at first inspection. the bottom definitely has silicone on the inside that is bad and needs to be replaced.

Is it normal to have some seems done internally verses between the glass, or should I remove bottom trim to inspect those seals between glass as well?

If the trim is not "needed" could it be remove all together?

 

[BIG-G]

Usually if the silicone between the side looks good the bottom underneath the frame is okay as well.
You can remove the trim but remember the bottom frame supports the tank around the outside edge and prevents pressure points from underneath, so if you remove the bottom frame the stand you sit the tank on becomes very important.
The tank needs to be perfectly leveled and fully supported,you should Also place at least 1/2 inch foam underneath to eliminate any pressure points and minor imperfections.
For the top frame if you remove it you need to consider if there is a center brace, if so you will need to install some center bracing to prevent the tank from bowing in the middle that could cause the front or back pane of glass to crack.
I have tanks I have removed the frames on and I like to also install another piece of glass on each end for additional security as well as giving me a place for the glass lids to sit.
You may want to check into euro bracing. That is a very popular way to deal with the frame.

 

[BIG-G]

Also, if you remove the bottom frame the stand needs to support the whole surface of the bottom.
Stands designed by tank manufacturers to support only the edge of the aquarium will not work anymore.

 

[Raka]

Great info, thanks for the reply's!

I will probably only remove the top trim if I can find glass that matches the center brace to place on the ends as you had mentioned. I will most likely end up sanding and painting the trim black as this is more in the comfort level. However the thought of turning this into a rimless tank is becoming more appealing as they are much more visually appealing to me.