trim on the aquarium

[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.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Shipwreck

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

Hmm, never seen big tanks out here with them (although in Victoria, most of our stuff is seastar and I don't think they use it at all). I know though that I wouldn't trust the tank to just a plastic strip across the top Betting you could remove the strip and be fine.

[Doug]

My standard 90g AGA has the full wrap trim with center brace. I would never remove it from my tank, and as a matter of fact, purchased it because I thought the black trimmed tanks looked better from my situation.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Doug

My standard 90g AGA has the full wrap trim with center brace. I would never remove it from my tank, and as a matter of fact, purchased it because I thought the black trimmed tanks looked better from my situation.

Ya, my AGA 65g has the centre brace too. I'm going to cut the brace out and replace with euro-bracing. I also like tanks with trim...I think the trimless look unfinished. But maybe that's because I'm a carpenter. LOL!

[Brent F]

I like trim too because it hides the water line. The exception is tanks meant to be viewed from above
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[Kayleb]

I customized my 75gal All Glass by removing both trims, (they are the molded single piece style) and cutting out the center brace on a table saw to get a clean cut. Then I installed 3"x1\2" strips of glass around all edges 2 @ 48", 2 @ 11 1\8" (this is called euro bracing). I like this because it adds strength, (there is zero deflection in the glass, you can measure this simply with a staight edge and tape measure or ruler) and makes it much more difficult for water to spill over, and more importantly fish have a tougher time jumping out. I put my trims back on because, one being single piece it makes sense that they hold the corners together and secondly if I ever drop a piece of rock or worse yet a porcelain light socket on the top edge of the glass, well you don't even want to think about that, a plastic trim would go a long ways in that situation. Oh getting the trims off can be a little tricky but if your interested I'll let you know what worked for me.

[asherah]

heh I think I will just leave them on =p