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SaltyJim
Mon, 31st Jan 2005, 02:18 PM
So, just getting the tank resetup, and started wondering about the little plastic trim that is at the top of the tank. I know that there is one piece that goes from front to back, used to support glass tops, that can be removed, but what about the rest of that same support setup? Is it safe to remove, or will I damage the siliocone seal at the top of the tank?
Polkster13
Mon, 31st Jan 2005, 02:24 PM
Jim,

Why do you want to remove this?

If you have a hood you will need this in place to support the hood. It is also supplying some support to the glass walls. I would be very leary of removing the top on a long tank. If this is a small tank that is shallow, then you may be able to get away with removing it. Just be very careful around the corners.
SaltyJim
Mon, 31st Jan 2005, 02:34 PM
Not the outside plastic trim...let me correct myself.

I mean the little lip of plastic on the inside of the top that hte glass tops are supported on. The one front to back is attached to the center glass brace and nothing else, so I know that can go. I just wonder about the rest of it.
Polkster13
Mon, 31st Jan 2005, 03:19 PM
Well, I guess you could remove the plastic top and then carefully cut the lip off. I wouldn't do it while it was on the tank. You could easily chip or crack the glass. I would not remove the center piece as this is used to keep the tank from bowing. You could reduce the structual integrity enough that the tank could burst. I would think that the effort required would far out weight any advantages to doing this task.

You might want to consider an arcylic tank. Stonger, seals won't leak, perfectly clear, far less distortion of light, lighter in weight, et cetera.
captexas
Mon, 31st Jan 2005, 06:05 PM
What size tank is this? Depending on the size and how the tank is built, I wouldn't advise cutting off any of the plastic trim. While it may just look like simply plastic there for aesthetic purposes, it does help keep the tank square at the top. I'd hate to take any chances removing it and then come home some evening to find your pride and joy of a reef tank scattered dead all over the wet floor. Just my 2 cents!