De-Rimming a large tank

[blackthunda77]

I just bought a used 187-195 gallon tank. Its 60 wide by 30 deep by 25ish tall. It has no centerbraces, just a rim around the top. I was thinking about removing the top rim to make it rimless. The ONLY reason i am even considering it is because this tank has 3/4" glass all around and bottom. I know alot of the rimless tanks this size dont even use such thick glass. Any input or experience?

 

[MKReefTank]

Although, I have no experience in taking a rim off of a tank, I can say, that it probably should not be done and if it is, it needs to be done with an abundance of caution. If you know the manufacturer, it may be a worth a call to them. The last thing you want to do is take away from the stability of the tank.

 

[benjc]

I know on the smaller 20-30 gallon tanks, that the trim doesn't provide structural support, it hides the edges which aren't polished (very sharp and not appealing to look at). My 2 cents are to leave the trim.

 

[Cuacuac]

You can use metalic metric tape. You just have to make go through the rim and the display glass and it will cut the silicone. I mean this:

An other option if you have a fisher buddy is using multifilament fishing line.

 

[blackthunda77]

Thanks, i guess my question is, whats the difference between this rimmed tank and the rimless tanks? The 3/4" glass is thicker than most rimless tanks i see. Is not all silicone created equal? Do you use different silicone or something on rimless tanks?

 

[SPotter]

what kind of rim is on the top of the tank? is it the pastic trim or is it a eurobrace thats on the tank? can you post a picture of it?

 

[blackthunda77]

Its not a eurobrace. Looks like a beefier version of the plastic trim. Ill get a pic of it shortly.

 

[ggrillo]

Curious about this too. If it had a center brace like a standard 55 gallon then if say no go. I removed the trim on a 20 tall and have no trouble with it. Just ran a razor blade under the trim on both sides and pried it off.

 

[Tremelle]

I have read somewhere on this site where it was stated rimless should not be attempted on tanks over 24" tall.

 

[ca1ore]

what kind of rim is on the top of the tank? is it the pastic trim or is it a eurobrace thats on the tank?

Yeah, that's the key question! If there is no center brace, and it is just a narrow black plastic rim, then it is providing negligible structural support anyhow and removing it would likely make no difference. Eurobrace would be a very different situation.