Removing a rim to create a rimless tank

[CrayolaViolence]

I have two mainland 20 longs and was curious to know if anyone has ever removed the rim off of one and turned it into a rimless. I have never used either tank and thought it might be cool to modify one into a rimless but I was unsure if the glass was thick enough or if the rim could be removed relatively easy or not.

Would love to hear from others. Thanks

[Aquacraze]

It's easy to remove but Idk if the glass is thick enough to be structurally sound. It may need a center brace.
If you do try this be very careful cause the glass chips very easy. Use lots and lots of new razor blades

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[Brieninsac]

IDK, I think the rim is on there to offer additional support, probably due to the glass thickness. Taking it off for aesthetics sounds risky to me.

[CrayolaViolence]

After doing some searching it appears the risk factor is just too great. bummer...but that's okay too. I guess I'll keep the tank around for some other project.

[mcgyvr]

Never remove the "trim/rim" from a tank like that unless you do something to accommodate for that loss of structural strength (eurobracing,etc..) or unless you like waking up to water all over the floor.. :)
That trim is 100% there for a structural and aesthetic reason..

[Bagabaga]

It's definitely there to keep he seams from splitting. Also in a recent dismantling of a 10 gallon for just the glass I chipped and broke most of the panes attempting to remove the trim. The bottom was the easiest and the top is where I ran into problems and used a hacksaw blade to saw through the corners after and attempt at cutting the silicone and pulling on the corner caused a pane to crack all the way across.

[tc2007]

Rimless tanks have thicker glass panes (and stronger adhesive I would guess).

[abrooks12376]

*do not*
......that is all.....

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[ReefAlex]

My situation is a 40 gallon breeder I just bought and removed the rim I sanded and painted 4 coats of white High Gloss Rustoleum on the bottom and sides but wanted to Eurobrace. How so I Brace and how wide? what size thickness 1/2"? long sides first? the 2 or 3 short pieces on top? and how wide?
I called Aqueon and on the 50 Gallon same dims there is a center brace on the black rim on the 40 Gallon like my new one there is No Center Brace. Should I do a Center Brace or will just reflect the light up??? Kevin1illescas@yahoo.com 847 682 7022

[aaronwitt]

Yeah I would just pay the money for a decent rimless 20g. It's worth the money IMO

[ca1ore]

The plastic rim plays no structural role unless it has a cross brace. Otherwise it does nothing for panel bowing. None of my 20L tanks have a cross brace. Of course, you could damage the tank trying to remove the rim.