Removing glass rim from 75 gallon

[LunaSky]

I just got a new 75 gallon, bought second hand from a new LFS wich opened just this month. I cleaned the tank and tried to set it up but the rim is too wide for anything to be attached. I have Eshopp overflow box and two lights which I need to put onto this tank's rim. Would it be safe for me to remove the two back sections of the glass rims.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

No. That is a structural part of the tank and should not be removed. You run the risk of a leak or blowout.

 

[IntrinsicReef]

The glass rim is part of the bracing and integrity of the tank. So, probably not okay

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

You might consider having the tank drilled for an overflow and use a sump instead

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

You might consider having the tank drilled for an overflow and use a sump instead

Or, return the tank and look for one more compatible with the equipment you currently have.

 

[Tcook]

If you don’t want to drill the tank sell the eshopps and call Jeff at Lifereef. He can probably build you a box that will fit. I never lost siphon with a lifereef box for the 4 years I used one.

 

[LunaSky]

No. That is a structural part of the tank and should not be removed. You run the risk of a leak or blowout.

So, just out of curiosity, how can other tanks be rimless and not this one? I don't want to take off the entire rim mind you, but just curious how that works

 

[littlefoxx]

So, just out of curiosity, how can other tanks be rimless and not this one? I don't want to take off the entire rim mind you, but just curious how that works

It depends on how its built. If its rimless it has other supports to keep it together. If it has a rim thats the support

 

[IntrinsicReef]

So, just out of curiosity, how can other tanks be rimless and not this one? I don't want to take off the entire rim mind you, but just curious how that works

Rimless tanks have thicker glass to prevent bowing

 

[PharmrJohn]

Rimless tanks have thicker glass to prevent bowing

That is absolutely correct. You're idea will end up badly I fear. Having it drilled and using a sump will deal with the issue nicely. Just make sure you ain't drilling through tempered glass.

 

[LunaSky]

Rimless tanks have thicker glass to prevent bowing

The glass is 10mm thick. All of my research says for my tanks size, 9mm is minimum for a rimless. Also, I'm only talking about the two back parts of the rim... there will still be bracing. It was a homemade aquarium.

 

[IntrinsicReef]

The glass is 10mm thick. All of my research says for my tanks size, 9mm is minimum for a rimless. Also, I'm only talking about the two back parts of the rim... there will still be bracing. It was a homemade aquarium.

You don't have to convince me. If you are comfortable with the risk, then that's your decision. I don't build or repair tanks, as I have seen too many fail. So, I am unable to help with any technical tank building questions.

 

[PharmrJohn]

You don't have to convince me. If you are comfortable with the risk, then that's your decision. I don't build or repair tanks, as I have seen too many fail. So, I am unable to help with any technical tank building questions.

Same. I won't mess with 'em. Don't have the proper skill set.

 

[DD Corals]

Personally, I don't like rimless since water gets splashed sometimes, and it's nice to have a lip at the top of the tank. Wether that would be for an automatic fish feeder or just to place stuff up there for the time being while doing maintenance.

 

[hexcolor reef]

So, just out of curiosity, how can other tanks be rimless and not this one? I don't want to take off the entire rim mind you, but just curious how that works

First don’t remove that middle piece that is needed 100% - Rimless tanks need a rubber grip mat under the entire length of the tank to keep the glass from bowing when water is in it. If you do decide to remove the piece make sure you add that mat under it. And I would add extra sealing as well

 

[buzzfin]

I absolutely would not remove it. Not worth taking the chance. The rimless look is cool, but would make me nervous if I had one. I would check to see if it's tempered glass and, if not, drill it. It's actually quite easy to do.

 

[LunaSky]

First don’t remove that middle piece that is needed 100% - Rimless tanks need a rubber grip mat under the entire length of the tank to keep the glass from bowing when water is in it. If you do decide to remove the piece make sure you add that mat under it. And I would add extra sealing as well

It wouldn't be the middle part or the front or sides. The back two pieces are siliconed only on the back glass. The side rims hold the corners together. There is a glued on rubber grip on the bottom already. Does that count? I'm not 100% sure of I'm going to take the back pieces off. But the glass is also super thick and I don't trust myself to drill it to add a sump. However, I figured out a way to hang the lights. It looks really bad, but oh well. The only issue now is the overflow box. But I think I have an idea for it. It would look better to take the back pieces off... but I think I'm too scared to do that.

 

[LunaSky]

I absolutely would not remove it. Not worth taking the chance. The rimless look is cool, but would make me nervous if I had one. I would check to see if it's tempered glass and, if not, drill it. It's actually quite easy to do.

Pretty sure it's not tempered, but I'm not glass expert

 

[BeanAnimal]

The glass is 10mm thick. All of my research says for my tanks size, 9mm is minimum for a rimless. Also, I'm only talking about the two back parts of the rim... there will still be bracing. It was a homemade aquarium.

If you keep asking, somebody will eventually tell you what you want to hear, so why wait around for approval? Just cut it off now.

 

[LunaSky]

If you keep asking, somebody will eventually tell you what you want to hear, so why wait around for approval? Just cut it off now.

I figured people were thinking I was removing the WHOLE rim, when I'm not. I was just making my whole situation clear. Sorry that bothered you so much.