Plastic tank trim. Important or just for holding lids?

[theyangman]

The black plastic trim that is on the top of the tank, more specifically the two braces that run front to back that "cut" the tank into thirds, are these actually used for anything? Does it add any sort of structural integrity to the tank? Mine are slightly sagging, so I cannot imagine they add any support. The ring around the outside I could see doing a tiny bit, but in all reality is this just in place for the tank to have a way to support lids and such?

I want to cut the braces out that run front to back cause I am trying something new.

It would look like this when finished:

 

[Pistol]

The top tank is probably thinner glass and requires centre bracing, bottom tank is to protect the edge and hold the lids

 

[theyangman]

The top tank is probably thinner glass and requires centre bracing, bottom tank is to protect the edge and hold the lids

Its the same photo that I just edited the braces out...

 

[Poseidon]

[quote author=Pistol link=topic=7165.msg73089#msg73089 date=1386959234]
The top tank is probably thinner glass and requires centre bracing, bottom tank is to protect the edge and hold the lids

Its the same photo that I just edited the braces out...
[/quote]

i think hes saying when you get tanks like that,
alot of the older ones didnt have any bracing, but where monsters, likes 3/4'' glass
alot of the newer ones are 5/8'' or even half inch glass...

i will let others chime in though,

 

[TORX]

I read about these a long time ago when I had a tank with a broken brace, long story short, if the tank had a brace...and is going to be filled, then yes...you want the braces. They are there for a reason, typically to compensate for thinner glass per height ratio. Some may say it is not needed...but do you want to take a chance like that with that much water?

 

[Pistol]

[quote author=Pistol link=topic=7165.msg73089#msg73089 date=1386959234]
The top tank is probably thinner glass and requires centre bracing, bottom tank is to protect the edge and hold the lids

Its the same photo that I just edited the braces out...
[/quote]I wouldn't cut the braces out, they put them there for a cause they had to.

 

[Petercar (RIP Dec 2017)]

full it water and see if they sag still.  ....but i have a half inch glass rimless with nothing so. that tank with plastic trim may be a support. so its not bulging outwards

 

[Neopimp]

Important.. are you gettingg a shadow in the tank ?

 

[TORX]

full it water and see if they sag still.  ....but i have a half inch glass rimless with nothing so. that tank with plastic trim may be a support. so its not bulging outwards

Exactly. A small piece of plastic is much cheaper to manufacture then upgrading the glass. Bulging is stress, and then it is only a matter of time or the right tap on the glass and...

 

[Big_Als_London]

The black plastic trim that is on the top of the tank, more specifically the two braces that run front to back that \"cut\" the tank into thirds, are these actually used for anything? Does it add any sort of structural integrity to the tank? Mine are slightly sagging, so I cannot imagine they add any support. The ring around the outside I could see doing a tiny bit, but in all reality is this just in place for the tank to have a way to support lids and such?

I want to cut the braces out that run front to back cause I am trying something new.

It would look like this when finished:

Tony if you were to ever listen to me now would be the time. DO NOT cut off this pieces unless you have another way to brace it. I have seen many tanks bow and then eventually have the silicone give when people cut them off. So unless you are in the market for another tank. Do not cut them out.

 

[Petercar (RIP Dec 2017)]

if yu want to go this way yur thinking with no  brace get  a acrylic tank or  rimless tank made

 

[AdInfinitum]

if yu want to go this way yur thinking with no  brace get  a acrylic tank or  rimless tank made

Actually the top brace on an acrylic tank is a key load bearing item unless it's very shallow or extremely thick acrylic.

 

[theyangman]

bleh, ok ok. I'll leave it alone.

/end

 

[Duke]

you could get some thin acrylic straps and drill into the plastic and attach new cross braces before you remove the black ones.

 

[pulpfiction1]

You can always ask a professional builder
5199418265
Miracles aquariums in Orangeville
If I recall correctly Nathan told me that it does not make much difference as long as the glass is thick enough. And if there is any doubt they euro brace them

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[Neopimp]

i'll back you up tony... cut it if you want

 

[theyangman]

Without more unanimous support, I have decided to leave it be.

 

[Reef Hero]

CUT IT! CUT IT!


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[Neopimp]

Smart choice

 

[Big_Als_London]

CUT IT! CUT IT!


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it also voids your warranty on the aquarium. I've seen that a few times too.