What is this piece of glass for and do I need it?

[victor_c3]

I was just given 30 gallon tank for christmas and these two strips of glass located on the top of the long side of the tank (see the picture below).

The tank is about 31.5 inches long by about 16 inches tall and made of glass about 1/4" thick.

My only guess is the glass strip could be there to strengthen the sides of the tank so that they don't bow and break, but I wouldn't think that the pressure of a 30 gallon tank would be great enough to do that (but then again, I am just a dumb infantryman, so what do I know?). Another guess is so that you can use it as a refference point to monitor the water level.

So, can I remove it? The strip of glass is really in my way and making it difficult for me to configure my tank the way I'd like to configure it.

Thanks in advance for any input!!

 

[siren]

I'd keep it. It's probably there for structual integrity. If that piece of glass is there, the side won't bow, so it looks good to me!

Reef On

 

[victor_c3]

No offense, but that wasn't the answer I was hoping for. Unfortunately, I have a feeling you are probably right

However, I think on the other 30 gallon tanks I've seen in I don't recall ever noticing this piece of glass before. However, I don't recall seeing an aquarium like mine without some sort of plastic cover/trim over the top edge of the tank that may have been providing some level of support either...

Well, thanks for the input!

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

since it looks like a rimless tank..it might have been there for holding up a piece of eggcrate or glass for the top to keep your fish in..

and on a side note i havent seen any 30 gallon tanks that have/ need bracing either..

 

[surfy]

My guess is that it's used for mounting water pumps or other equipment (such as mounting legs for some lighting systems) which may require a horizontal mounting surface.

I would contact the manufacturer before removing the strips since that can possibly void the warranty.

 

[EnFuego]

who made that tank. Looks nice.

 

[victor_c3]

Thanks.

Tank was purchased at a local garden/outdoor supply chain store here in Germany called "Dehner Zoo". They sell some pet stuff mostly birds and a some fresh water fish, but nothing too extensive.

 

[Alatar]

Servus,

The glass pieces are not for structual integrity but are supposed to be used as supports in case you want to put a cover ontop. So its perfectly safe to remove them. In Germany almost all the tanks you can purchase are rimless.


Cheers
Alatar

 

[victor_c3]

In that case, the piece of glass comes off!

Thanks!

 

[Avalanche1201]

looks nice, make sure to show some pics as you go

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

woohoo, i finally got one right....LOL

 

[victor_c3]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8957705#post8957705 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Avalanche1201
looks nice, make sure to show some pics as you go

Don't worry, I'll definately be posting frequently on my tank's progress.

However, it'll probably be 2-4 weeks until I really get it started. I'm kind of tight on money at the moment and I don't wan't to start my project half-assed so I'm going to wait until I'm able to purchase the right equipment.

Actually, I'm going to start a thread right now on my new tank and my plans!

Its going to be tittled "Victor's 30 gallon tank"