Plastic trim
 

How important is the black plastic trim around the top and bottom of some tanks? The top trim on a 2nd hand tank I got is split. Not a problem as I can euro brace it. But what about the bottom? It came off as I was moving the tank in place so wondered maybe it doesn't serve much purpose for strength?

It all depends if the bottom trim has a resess to it that makes your bottom pane of glass higher then the bottom of the side panes. Most store bought tanks are this way so I would say leave it on if it not a problem.

The side panels sit on top of the base panel and its just a mess under the trim. The trim has broke in two anyway so I'm wondering if I'd need to replace it or I could build a frame atop of the stand for the tank to sit in. If the tank is not gonna burst then I'd easily leave it off....

Well that's even worse if the side sit on the bottom, any little amount of uneven pressure on the bottom of the tank and it will crack. If you plan on keeping the tank for a while I would go see David @ Aquagiant to see if he can replace the trim or at least sell you some to do it yourself. I know he has it as he puts it on his tanks he builds.

Ok, maybe I could just get some glass strips and reinforce from the inside and do a kind of do a euro brace around the bottom?

Go see David at Aquagiant, it's better to be than sorry, bring your tank in, and depending how busy he is, he might be able to cut the bottom trim right away, or bring your bottom trim in, so he can cut it. All the weight of your tank is sitting on the plastic trim.

Really wouldn't make much difference because all it take is 1 mm in difference in the stand it's sitting on to cause the bottom to crack.

Yeah, I though about taking it somewhere or maybe just get a custom build for where I am now and I could get more depth front to back??? Hmmm.... We'll see!!! But I have a half inch polystyrene on the top of the stand anyway.

Here is the base....
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/...76B8242DAC.jpg

http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/...76BE4B1BCF.jpg

To be truly honest with you I would not take a chance with a tank built with the side on top of the bottom pane. IMO it not worth the risk to damage your home with a tank breaking not to mention any livestock you might have. Aquagiant builds some really nice tanks & the price is good as well.

Lol, it's not my home..... It'a rented.... Even worse lol. I'll maybe give them a shout this week then....