Removing Tank Trim

[clemsonguy1125]

A friend of mine gave me a 55 gallon hexagonal thank. It's one of the ones with a 4 foot back glass panel, then two pieces making up the sides at an angle, then a shorter piece for the front. It's trim was cracked so I had to rip it off. I want to put about 20 gallons of water in it and make a paludarium. Is it ok to fill it without the trim. If not, anyone know where I can buy replacement trim, or can I just make a frame from some type or hardwood. It doesn't seem like it would be difficult with a miter saw. Another idea was just to silicone on a center brace but I didn't know it that would work since it has neither top nor bottom trim.
Thanks


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[MyGiants]

Those trims are not the strength of the tank. Its mainly to finish off the edge plus gives a ledge for the lighthood to sit on. You will be fine without it. I seen big 70 gallon 29" tall glass tanks with the trim in 4 separate pieces just silicone on the edge. Its not holding nothing together. The strength is all in the silicone holding the glass panels together.

 

[KellyFrancis]

Wow. That's impressive...

Why then does the trim have a center-brace? I've often wondered that about my 55. Why is this floppy weak plastic thing even here just getting in my way??


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[Metriacliman]

The trim with braces is to prevent the glass bowing but since the OP has a 55 hexagon, I do't think there is a center brace.

 

[Gill Blue]

as long as there was no center brace to start with, you'll be fine. if there was, you would probably still be fine filling it half way, but I wouldn't chance it.

 

[bill_396]

I have an old 110g tall that has lost all of it's trim. Still holds fine but it does have pretty thick glass, four feet long.

 

[clemsonguy1125]

It did have a center brace, in two places, but one was broken, it could easily be replaced with a piece of glass.


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[duke33]

IMO the trim braces help hold lights and such. Of course on longer tanks it helps keep the glass from bowing.

 

[clemsonguy1125]

It's a 55 version of this.


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[MyGiants]

I think it more peace of mind to have a center brace. I seen 4ft long 40 50 55 60 with and without center braces. I seen 36" long 29" tall 70's with and without center braces. I seen people build here own custom glass tanks without center braces. I'm not saying any size glass tank doesn't need a center brace depends on what size were talking about. That I think its more peace of mind then its actually helping. Big Plexiglass tanks have a more tendency to bow and need a center brace I've never seen a glass tank bow like a plexi tank can bow.