Thoughts on making a 10g AGA rimless.. Input please!

[Jarob]

Alright well I've been doing a bunch of research online about it and theres just a ton of contradicting information and viewpoints.... SO I need the most important, YOURS! People have had them for awhile and others say no way.

I took down my 10g AGA tank which was set up for about 5 months and completely gutted it, took off both plastic rims and cleaned up the silicone. I will be completely redoing the silicone, but do you think that will be enough for structural integrity? The only thing that will actually be touching the glass is a small HOB filter/fuge so no added pressure other than water. I plan on making it look sorta like the fluval edge set-up but the top glass WONT be touching the water like the edge. Two 5"x10" pieces of glass will be siliconed to the top sides of the aquarium which i think will help "brace" the aquarium and should add to support (pictures below help show what im trying to say).

One of the biggest worries I have is that after removing the bottom plastic trim the bottom pane of glass is siliconed about 1cm above the bottom of the sides (where it rested on the plastic), so the bottom isnt actually resting on a surface, its 1 cm off the ground held up by the side panes (ask if you dont understand this, i can draw it). SHOULD I remove the bottom piece completely and silicone it back on but actually on the bottom, or should I just reinforce it nicely with extra silicone and leave it where it is?

Confusing I know but please let me know what you think, positive and negative!! AND if you have any ideas on improving the design let me know!!

Thanks a ton,

Jarob

[hobogato]

those two glass top pieces will add more structure than that plastic rim ever provided. i think you would be good to go like that.

[StevenSeas]

lol like that Fluval edge do you;) Well I cut the upper trim off of my AGA 30 gallon and no leaks at all. However for the reason that you mentioned about the bottom I didnt think it was worth the risk to cut off the bottom plastic. However w/ a 10 gallon being like 10-15 new I wouldnt really worry bout it. I would place another peice of glass right under the bottom pane and silicone the two together. I however wouldnt just use excess silicone as that decreases the strengeth of silicone (something about how it bonds and where its strength comes from) Just Use the proper amount and another pane siliconed to it is my opinion. Off topic but how is your tank doing?

[Jarob]

yes I love the fluval edge, its so "modern" but 6g is too small and I dont feel like working with LEDs as they would have to replace the halogens.

Good idea about the 2nd piece of glass on the bottom, I like that idea.

Oh and my tank, its actually looking almost back to normal! My wellso and scoly actually look fatter and healthier than before the crash (WEIRD)! Oh and my prized fungia was about 80% gone but is looking better by the day, id say only about 20% of his skeleton is showing still.

THANKS!

[StevenSeas]

^^^^ya i have plans to make a 40 breeder into an "edge" w/ fuge and skimmer....debating on the lights