trim on the aquarium

[asherah]

220g I think it would look much nicer without it but if it will jeopardise the integrity I won't remove it

asherah

[Aquattro]

no, the trim only protects you from the roughly finished glass along the top edges, it doesn't provide support. Unless you specifically have the edges ground and polished, it may not look better at all.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by reef_raf

no, the trim only protects you from the roughly finished glass along the top edges, it doesn't provide support. Unless you specifically have the edges ground and polished, it may not look better at all.

My understanding as told to me by a custom tank builder was that the trim provided support for the corners of the tank...?

[justinl]

Originally Posted by Myka

My understanding as told to me by a custom tank builder was that the trim provided support for the corners of the tank...?

ive never heard that (unless it actually incorporates itself as an obvious brace like neal mentioned). do you know anything about the tank (you could call the manufacturer)? or are you buying it second hand (you could ask the previous owner)?

i agree with brad, unfinished glass edges can be a pain, but then i also like the look of trimless tanks enough that i would do it anyways and just finish the edges myself (or get someone to do it for me)

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Or you could take the trim off and add a little Eurobracing. I think that would look better/cleaner than trim, too.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Myka

My understanding as told to me by a custom tank builder was that the trim provided support for the corners of the tank...?

Well, I would find it hard to believe clip together plastic will hold 2000 pounds of water in a tank. And I've removed mine before with no ill effects. Many tank manufacturers will offer a trimless tank with polished edges. And most tanks already have either euro or centre bracing, the trim would not replace that. If the tank does not have a brace system via euro or centre, it doesn't need it as the glass is probably thick enough (unless someone removed the brace and shouldn't have). Really, it's just decorative plastic.

[Shipwreck]

There are 2 types of black trim on the tops of tanks. 1 is only to cover the rough glass edges and to provide the "lip" where a lid would rest and the other provides structural integrity.

Check the trim at the corner of the tank. If there is a mitre joint (2 separate pieces of trim joined at a 45deg angle) then this is just the trim for looks.

The structural trim will be a single molded piece and will most likely also include a center brace or two. This trim is designed to support the glass and keep it from bowing out. I wouldn't remove this with water in the tank and it will need to be replaced with eurobracing and center braces.

The best way I have found to remove them is to us a trim saw (flat blade, many teeth) and cut out a 1"-2" section. You will need to pry out this first piece which is the worst part. After that you can put a flat screwdriver under the remaining trim. If it the molded trim you should also pre cut it at the corners and bracing areas so you are working with smaller pieces.

The trim is usually siliconed on which now means you will need to do alot of scraping to clean the glass. The bigger problem is that manufacturers that use either trim don't take the time to sand or polish the edge of the glass so it is very sharp and often uneven so you will need to do something about this.

This is a lot of work. What might be easier is to either paint the trim (outside of the tank only) with Krylon paint to match the decor or cover it with thin strips of wood, etc.

Good luck.

[Aquattro]

The one piece molded trim is used for bracing as well (it has the cross section brace) however I have not seen this type of trim on tanks usually larger than 33g. 100+ gallon tanks don't have this trim, AFAIK.

[Shipwreck]

Perfecto tanks of at least 120g use the one piece moled structural trim, I know for a fact, that's what I have.