Black trim needed?

[Hyperion1337]

Im gonna start a new build soon and I was wondering if the black trim around the top and bottom edges of the aquarium were needed for a specific reason. If not I was going to pop them off to get the rimless feel which IMO is so much cleaner.
Suggestions on how i can take it off if its not important or any explanations to why the trim is important/unimportant?
Thanks.

[teddyzaper]

they are siliconed to the aquarium. Some people say that they provide support, but i do not believe so. Check how thick the glass of the aquarium is and the dimensions then ask in the DIY section or here if those are ok for a rimless tank. If so, you can take it off, i would use a razor blade. If it doesnt work i wouldnt risk it. Also, it is almost impossible to take the bottom rim off without damaging the silicone that holds your tank together, so if u end up doing this only take off the top rim.

[alaska clowns]

My previous 55 gallon tank developed a crack along the center brace (the flimsy piece of plastic that connects the front to the back). I was measuring my tank to get dimensions for building a canopy, when I discovered that the middle of my tank was wider than the ends!! I can't speak for large aquariums with thicker glass, but on the tanks that I have owned, the brace seems to be an extremely important part of the aquarium. I think that there is something called eurobracing for people who want to go rimless? That might be something to do a search on.

[teddyzaper]

oh, i certainly agree, if there is a center brace you cannot take it out. I was thinking smaller, like the 40gallons with the black trim

[David520]

I have a 110g tall with no center glass brace, the seems started to separate and the aquarium started to leak, what I am getting at was the trim at the corners of the tank were not connected and served no purpose other than looks. So if your tank has split corners ( total of four pieces then I wouldn't see a problem with removing them). Also x2 on euro brace

[Hyperion1337]

its either gonna be a 30 or 40 breeder -> 36inx18inx16 for the 40 gal and 36x18x12in for the 30. but if i remove it, wont i need to sand/ polish the glass edges? if so, its gonna be a pain in the butt

[john miller]

From what I've read, on here, the trim is structural.

If in doubt send the manufacturer an e-mail or call their 800 number and ask.