Removing rim on 40 breeder sump

rjjr1963

New member
I'd like to remove the rim on a 40 gallon breeder to use as a sump. I'll be adding three baffles so the widest span will be about 18". Would this be safe to do considering the additional support of the baffles?
 
I removed the trim on a 40 breeder and filled it with water (testing for leaks) without any baffles, it bowed considerably, but did not break. Later I added baffles and my widest section was about 14" and completely secure. I'm sure you're fine.
 
Why do you want to remove it? I've had two 40B sumps and never had a need to remove the trim. I actually use it by drilling holes int the plastic to mount stuff. Seems like more trouble than its worth to me.
 
Seems like an undefined risk with no real upside (in my opinion)

I wouldn't do it, but that opinion isn't backed by science or experience.
 
I wonder why you want to remove the rim as well? If it has a center brace that is in the way, just remove the brace and leave the rest of the rim as it will help slightly.
 
Why do you want to remove it? I've had two 40B sumps and never had a need to remove the trim. I actually use it by drilling holes int the plastic to mount stuff. Seems like more trouble than its worth to me.


I was concerned that the lip on the inside would be a collection point for salt creep and other debris. I never though about the lip being a mounting point but that makes sense.
 
Mine collects a small amount of salt creep but I just wipe it off with a damp paper towel maybe once or twice a year. If you are having so much splashing that its a real problem, I would fix that before I worried about the trim.

Another thing to consider is that the plastic trim protects the edge of the tank when you're moving equipment around for maintenance. I know I bump the rim a lot getting my skimmer out for its yearly cleaning and would rather the plastic was there vs a glass edge.
 
I haven't had a saltwater tank in 25 years and my new tank won't be here for a couple more weeks so it's not a problem at this point. I'm simply collecting advice to make an informed decision. If my ideas seem crazy please bear with me. My sump back then was a home made trickle filter with bio balls and salt creep was a real problem. I'm using a very simple sump and Berlin system this time so maybe it won't be an issue.
 
I can't give you any advice on how to remove the trim as mine was mostly done for me. I bought it off a fish-breeder who had a ton of tanks lying around his backyard. The trim had broken apart enough that it wasn't providing any structural integrity anymore and there was no center brace.
 
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