Removing the Rim? Is it safe...

[Spicer]

I want to remove the rim off a 33g Long tank.

Edit: Only the top rim.

48inches/12inches/13inches, or close to.

Its an aqueon tank.

[Wayne]

I would guess no. But if you were to do it and then euro brace it...

[Spicer]

From what Ive been told, when a tank bows, u can tell right away.
What I was thinking, is to buy it, de-rim it.
Fill it with tap water...

Check if it bows, and if not, no need for a brace, if it does bow, then I would add a 4 inch 3/8'' brace from front to back in the center of the tank.

A euro brace would kill the whole rimless look lol.
IMO, water splash up on it ect.


Because they say if its going to bow, it will do so right when you fill it.
And if doesnt bow then, it wont bow later, unless you remove silicone ect.

[Aquattro]

You may have to grind the edges. I just removed the rim for my 75g sump, and the edges are a bit sharp and jagged. I had a 48 years ago that the centre braced broke on, it bowed a couple of inches. I suspect this would do the same.

[Spicer]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

You may have to grind the edges. I just removed the rim for my 75g sump, and the edges are a bit sharp and jagged. I had a 48 years ago that the centre braced broke on, it bowed a couple of inches. I suspect this would do the same.

But I doubt your 48g was only 13 inches tall and 12 inches thick.

Ill also be keeping the water level @ about 11inches to make a solid wave.

Did it BOW instantly or over time?

[blacknife]

I pulled the rim's off my 40b and 33 with no problem and no bowing, but I am no expert. I also cracked a 15g while removing the the rim because a small part of the silicone would not release. edjes were not finished like some other tanks but not rough enough to bother sanding. I guess it depends on the manufacturer. I also still have the rim's for both tanks kicking around incase they are needed at some later point.

+1 to checking for bowing before doing anything with it. If you are making a wave in it perhaps do the FW test and get your wave going and see how it does.

[daniella3d]

I am pretty sure it would bow. Look how long it is, but then again it is not too high so maybe worth a try. In worse case you can put the rim back on.

You could do a euro brace as well. I would not remove the bottom part though, as it is not made to be rimless.

I removed the top rim of a Hagen 21 gallons and it is doing well with no bowing at and the edges were not so sharp but still sharp enough to cut if you push it. Although the 21 gallons is not very long so the glass is not much pushed out.

Originally Posted by Spicer

I want to remove the rim off a 33g Long tank.

Edit: Only the top rim.

48inches/12inches/13inches, or close to.

Its an aqueon tank.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Spicer

Did it BOW instantly or over time?

Ya, as you suggest, it will happen right away, not over time.

[Aquaria]

with all the tanks that i had with a plastic trim and brace, when i cut the brace my tank bowed. i always had a glass brace installed, IMO they wouldent waste plastic on a brace if it dident need it.

[Aquaria]

Originally Posted by daniella3d

I am pretty sure it would bow. Look how long it is, but then again it is not too high so maybe worth a try. In worse case you can put the rim back on.

You could do a euro brace as well. I would not remove the bottom part though, as it is not made to be rimless.

I removed the top rim of a Hagen 21 gallons and it is doing well with no bowing at and the edges were not so sharp but still sharp enough to cut if you push it. Although the 21 gallons is not very long so the glass is not much pushed out.

my 21g dident even come with trim or brace. i guess some companys like wasting plastic lol