Removing the inner lip from the top frame?

[bigyankfan]

Does the inner lip on the top plastic frame on tanks serve any structural purpose or is it only to support glass tops? I would like to trim it (or remove it completely) but I want to make sure it doesn't compromise the integrity of the tank. Thx.

 

[reefer4eva]

Cutting it out will most definitely compromised the structural integrity of the plastic frame..I wouldn't even chance it

 

[edd]

i dont think that little piece of plastic is holding a tank together. i have a 20g fuge, plastic is cracked front and rear its still holding water.
i recall seeing a post recently where a member contacted the company about plastic, thought they said it was for looks not integrity. call to make sure.

 

[rookie07]

Im always amazed at how bad some of the advice on here is!!!
If you're referring to "euro-bracing", DO NOT REMOVE IT!!!
A 20 gl tank is VERY different from a big tank.

 

[reefer4eva]

i dont think that little piece of plastic is holding a tank together. i have a 20g fuge, plastic is cracked front and rear its still holding water.
i recall seeing a post recently where a member contacted the company about plastic, thought they said it was for looks not integrity. call to make sure.

At 8.34 pounds per gallon of saltwater x 20 gallons=166.80 pounds of pressure
At 8.34 pounds per gallon of saltwater x 120 gallons=1000.8 pounds of pressure that the glass is holding in and that plastic trim is holding back..
That's a lot of weight in water compared to your 20 gallon sump that's probably not filled up all the way.

 

[reefer4eva]

Don't forget your floaties if your going to do it..lmao!

 

[edd]

euro bracing or a center brace is for integrity, i should of specified.
my 20 fuge is filled to the top but a relatively small tank and no center brace.

 

[reefer4eva]

euro bracing or a center brace is for integrity, i should of specified.
my 20 fuge is filled to the top but a relatively small tank and no center brace.

As dually noted by yourself ...there's a reason. Why your 20 gallon doesn't have a center brace...its not holding back that much weight as compared to a 120 gallon tank...here's to swimming with bold legged women

 

[TRIGGERMAN]

He was talking about the TRIM, the lower part that holds the glass tops when you have them on. I highly doubt that little trim would make a difference. He is keeping the plastic brace not taking it off completely.

 

[skene]

I wouldn't try and remove it. Yes it is there for holding glass tops, but think about if you are cutting it off with a dremmel or any cutting, heating up the plastic will affect its integrity.

 

[reefer4eva]

He was talking about the TRIM, the lower part that holds the glass tops when you have them on. I highly doubt that little trim would make a difference. He is keeping the plastic brace not taking it off completely.

I know exactly what piece he is talking about.(the lip to put a glass top on the tank)I still stand by my statement about it changing the structural integrity of the tank.for another description what do you think is stronger a flat piece of plastic or one that has an angle(and yes I know there is still the angle on the plastic wrapping the side)and another one...which is stronger a channel or an angle?

 

[Coralmania]

I have a 150gallon and mine also cracked I ended up getting a clamp to hold it from front to back my tank got 1 inch wider in the middle do not take off fix it ASAP

 

[masterswimmer]

I know exactly what piece he is talking about.(the lip to put a glass top on the tank)I still stand by my statement about it changing the structural integrity of the tank.for another description what do you think is stronger a flat piece of plastic or one that has an angle(and yes I know there is still the angle on the plastic wrapping the side)and another one...which is stronger a channel or an angle?

100% accurate. Any information varying from this advice is not sound advice.

Do not remove that angled piece of trim. It absolutely is structural in nature.

Here's some advice, call the company who manufactured your tank. Ask them if the warranty will still hold up if the trim is removed. Heads up, their answer is not just to cover their arse.

Russ

 

[edd]

on smaller tanks without a center brace i don't think that flimsy piece of plastic does anything for integrity. imo. i have a cracked one on my 20g and 50 breeder sump the bottom one is cracked
i was reading on the internet, a guy claimed to have spoken to 2 techs from 2 different tank manufacturers, they told him the plastic on tanks without a center brace its for holding lights and tops, for aesthetics and to assist in assembling the tank.

 

[masterswimmer]

on smaller tanks without a center brace i don't think that flimsy piece of plastic does anything for integrity. imo. i have a cracked one on my 20g and 50 breeder sump the bottom one is cracked
i was reading on the internet, a guy claimed to have spoken to 2 techs from 2 different tank manufacturers, they told him the plastic on tanks without a center brace its for holding lights and tops, for aesthetics and to assist in assembling the tank.

The OP is referencing his 120g tank. Offering your advice to such a query is akin to negligence. I stand by my statement 100% without any reservation.

What you want to do with your tank is certainly your prerogative. Besides, when you accept advice from a guy on the internet, who 'claims' to have spoken to 2 techs from 2 different mfg's, then your advice must be correct.

Russ

http://youtube.com/watch?v=v_CgPsGY5Mw

 

[skene]

The OP is referencing his 120g tank. Offering your advice to such a query is akin to negligence. I stand by my statement 100% without any reservation.

What you want to do with your tank is certainly your prerogative. Besides, when you accept advice from a guy on the internet, who 'claims' to have spoken to 2 techs from 2 different mfg's, then your advice must be correct.

Russ

lol...

 

[edd]

The OP is referencing his 120g tank. Offering your advice to such a query is akin to negligence. I stand by my statement 100% without any reservation.

What you want to do with your tank is certainly your prerogative. Besides, when you accept advice from a guy on the internet, who 'claims' to have spoken to 2 techs from 2 different mfg's, then your advice must be correct.

Russ

http://youtube.com/watch?v=v_CgPsGY5Mw

didn't realize the op had a 120g i was referring to small tanks with out a center brace.
besides isn't all this info from guys on the internet, thats why i use my own judgement.

 

[reefer4eva]

And the topic of discussion is about someone else ...someone that has 6 times the water volume than your 20 gallon sump..why harp about it when I'm sure the person whom started this topic of discussion knows himself its a bad idea.

 

[lnevo]

The OP said nothing about a 120g tank. Yeah his signature says he upgraded to a 120. His profile mentions a 58 and a nano, but his post doesn't say this is for that tank. Not refuting the excellent advice given that the trim does provide support but I think everyone is assuming a lot without hearing back from OP.

 

[bigyankfan]

BTW, it is a 120 and I am convinced it is a bad idea. It is better to ask before doing something potentially catastrophic.