Question about glass tank strength ?

[Edwardo]

Does the molded plastic piece that runs around the top and bottom of the tank, have anything to do with its ability to hold water, (strength).

thanks

 

[Bderick67]

Yes, especially the top and bottom pieces with the cross brace on newer tanks. Some older tanks are built using thicker glass and do not need this bracing.

 

[Edwardo]

thanks for the quick reply,
Its a 125 gal, I need to shave off the sides only, flush with the glass, to fit it into a space I cant modify. Im not sure I should do it? Bob

 

[12 Volt Man]

hmm..if you shave off the trim, that may affect the bracing because it is a one peice molded frame. so taking off the sides may affect the strength of the entire peice. you might be better to try and put the tank in a different location or go with a tank with different dimensions.

 

[erk419]

You could also buy a trimless 125 they are made differently so they don't need the trim. I think they look better but they cost more money and are usually harder to find used.

 

[Edwardo]

thanks for the replys,
The opening is not square, Its wider on top, so
I only need to shave the bottom piece of plastic, on the sides, tops fine.
I cant do anything with the opening, its 1/4 " metal, and welded right up against the existing stand. I cant put this tank on the top either, ceiling is to low. What would you do?

 

[12 Volt Man]

so, its the length dimension that is the problem? the tank is a hair too long to fit in the opening on the bottom?

 

[Edwardo]

Exactly.

 

[kallmond]

I'd cut the trim off the bottom and sleep like a baby at night.

If you're the paranoid type you could add some euro-type bracing to the inside of the bottom to give more surface area to silicone to.