Do you understand the principles of glass reinforcement? The only part of the trim that matters is the center brace, the rest is just to make it look neat.
I did the impossible
- Thread starter Travisjaso9
- Start date
The principles of glass reinforcement??? Lol no I don't. I just build aquariums dude.
On small tanks like that that trim is actually pretty crucial. That's 1/4" glass, cracks if you look at it the wrong way, not enough silicone to support a 21" side seam on its own. The top brace works as a single unit, bracing all sides at once as a rigid frame. Silicone does not bond to plastic like it does to glass. All you have to do is nudge one corner of that tank and it will rack, rectangular tank turns diamond shaped very briefly, then explodes into water-propelled glass shards.
You are referring to the bottom trim. The bottom trim is structurally useless since the bottom is held together by glass on silicone. But it does help in allocating forces equally to the stand.
Speaking of, I would give it an iota of confidence if it were up on a proper stand at least. It's on the floor, where so many bad things could happen to it.
By all means, yall learn the hard way. I don't see how anyone experienced with tanks thinks that's a good idea though. I'm just now noticing someone may be sleeping next to that thing...sweet dreams lol
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I also build tanks. I also have a 55 that I removed the top rim on and replaced the center brace, and it has been fine for many years, even after being moved.
