i have a standard 55g long measures 48"x?x18?" and the original plastic frame has fallen off of the glass. i plan on taking off the rim and resealing the entire tank with new silicone.... my question is, is it safe to go rimless after a good silicone sealing??
is it safe to go rimless?
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Did/does it have a center cross bar? If it didn't you should be OK. If it does, and is part of the plastic trim, I would silicone in a 4" x 3/8" (or bigger) glass center brace if you decide to leave the trim off. You should also sand the edges of the glass too as the top exposed edges can be very sharp when exposed.
Ha, I was going to ask this same question today about 2 50gal. tanks I just picked up cheap. Thanks
you might get away with it but doesent mean it will last you might come home one day with wet carpet and dead fish as it burst a 55 long needs a center brace it will hold but for how long? dont know
If the plastic frame is not broken. Just reinstall it after you reseal the tank,then you should have no problems.
my largest tank is rimless
I was thinking...no, not a good idea....your tires won't even stay on your car!! 
Sorry , couldn't help the comment...but I love the look of a rimless tank with no top and the hanging lights. It make a fantastic looking planted tank with Discus.
Sorry , couldn't help the comment...but I love the look of a rimless tank with no top and the hanging lights. It make a fantastic looking planted tank with Discus.
ok. i just cleaned the tank, took off the rim/frame and removed all the old silicone on the tank... i will be sealing up the seams with black silicone and then actually try to fix the old frame/rim... i will post pics up later today or whenever i seal this darn thing up.
I got a cheap 40g off craigs list with the rim was broken and within 6 months the seam busted and caused a nasty chain reaction. I have since redone the silicon using the spoon methond making some big beefy joints and its held together well. This was a 40g ay 36" so an extra food is a lot more pressure and I dont know if I would risk it. You may want to build a wooden cannopy and have the bottom act as a brace.