I was curious if anyone has had success with removing the trim from a standard tank and keeping it long term (ie: not exploding). I now it's not really recommended, but I had an extra 10g sitting around so I removed the rims this afternoon. So, if you have had success, please post experiences here.
Thanks!
Full Version: Standard All Glass Tanks to DIY Rimless:
QUOTE (happyclam @ Oct 17 2009, 07:44 PM) 
I was curious if anyone has had success with removing the trim from a standard tank and keeping it long term (ie: not exploding). I now it's not really recommended, but I had an extra 10g sitting around so I removed the rims this afternoon. So, if you have had success, please post experiences here.
Thanks!
Thanks!
no problem at all, go for it. just becareful of the sharp edges when the rim is pulled off.
I did it with a 20 long earlier this year and it's fine. That's not really long term, but there have been absolutely no changes since I set it up. Its a fresh water planted, not reef, but I don't think that would make a difference.
If you were really worried, you could try and get some glass cut to put a thin euro brace on it.
QUOTE (Llamaguy @ Oct 31 2009, 12:30 AM)
If you were really worried, you could try and get some glass cut to put a thin euro brace on it.
+1
& 10g doesnt have to much pressure pushing outward, it shouldnt be a problem
Since a 10g is so cheap, remove the trim, fill it with FW and note how much it bows.
If you plan on drilling the back, then that changes a lot and you will probably want to go with a cross-brace or eurobrace.
If you plan on drilling the back, then that changes a lot and you will probably want to go with a cross-brace or eurobrace.
FWIW I just did this with a 5.5g- no bowing what-so-ever. GL! 
QUOTE (Tenacious716 @ Nov 2 2009, 01:28 PM)
FWIW I just did this with a 5.5g- no bowing what-so-ever. GL!
i also plan on going atleast 1/2 rimless (the bottom rim). need the top rim for my lid on my 5.5g aio
Most standard tanks with rims are not made the same as no-rim tanks. The side panels of glass sit inside the plastic trim, lower than the bottom panel. If you remove the trim, then you will be supporting the tank solely on the edges, vs. the entire bottom of a rimless tank.
I should probably add that I only removed the top trim, not the bottom, since the bottom trim is not visible where my tank is sitting.
QUOTE (Daemonfly @ Nov 2 2009, 11:04 PM)
Most standard tanks with rims are not made the same as no-rim tanks. The side panels of glass sit inside the plastic trim, lower than the bottom panel. If you remove the trim, then you will be supporting the tank solely on the edges, vs. the entire bottom of a rimless tank.
Just put the tank on a pad that's slightly smaller than the size of the bottom panel?
QUOTE (C.ton9187 @ Oct 25 2009, 10:31 PM)
no problem at all, go for it. just becareful of the sharp edges when the rim is pulled off.
Using a dremel with a sanding wheel you can sand off the sharp edges. While doing the sanding have a helper with a water spray bottle continually spray the the sanding area.
I built my 1st big reef with 1/2" fresh cut plate glass. I used a belt sander with water helper to seam all the edges nice and pretty.
Just be careful not to get water in the dremel motor --- you might not like the results
QUOTE (C.ton9187 @ Oct 25 2009, 10:31 PM)
no problem at all, go for it. just becareful of the sharp edges when the rim is pulled off.
The nice thing about de-rimming is that there is a very thin strip of silicone over the glass edge... avoiding scraping it (when doing the rest) and it'll be as smooth as a babys butt!
i did this with a 10g for a FW planted tank, it was running for about 2 years no porblem. Still have the tank, sitting empty. I only removed the top rim as well... On a tank this small the rim isn't really doing anything except making it easier to put a lid on. I don't think there will be any problems
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