trim on the aquarium

[asherah]

so can I remoe the black trim around the top of the aquarium ? Does it need that for support ? If so what is the best way to remoe it ?

thanks alot
asherah

[Myka]

It is required for support of the panes. If you remove it you need to add euro bracing or a centre brace.

[howdy20012002]

I don't think that the plastic trim provides much support unless it goes across like a brace. if it is just around the edges, I don't think it give much support for anything.
that is my personal opinion though
Neal

[KrazyKuch]

what size tank is it?

[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.