The Black lining on the top and bottom of tanks

[Yo_Loach]

Is this important? My friend got two used tanks, one of them is completly missing the bottom black lining, the other is missing half of the bottom black lining, what is it for? do you need it to have your tank setup? can it work without it? I'll give you guy's enough credit to assume you know what im talking about ;) lol. :D thank you!

[Harlock]

The trim on some tanks is very important. It takes some of the stress from the pressure exerted by the water on the tank glass. Sometimes larger tanks even have center braces that also bear some of this burden. How big are the tanks?

[Yo_Loach]

they are two 35 gallons, give or take a gallon, I looked at them visually, didnt measure them, but judging by the 55 and the 29 on either sides of them, it looks like a 35. I'll tell him to leave it in the tub overnight filled, is that a good plan? if it explodes, at least it wont make a mess. (not my house, plus they were free) Thanks a lot.

[Harlock]

You're welcome. Tub-testing is a good idea, or just outsied on something flat, like a driveway or in a garage.

[Blinky]

It might be best to contact the manufacturer. In some cases I believe it's mainly decorative, to give a finished look to the tank and provide a lip for hoods, cover glasses, lights etc. but as Harlock said it can be an important structural element as well. My 65g has heavy-duty trim, with centre braces top and bottom to prevent bowing. I would be careful - the last thing you need is a room full of broken glass and water.

[Yo_Loach]

Yah your right, thanks! I'm gonna tell him to tub test, since it's winter here, the water would freeze and crack the tank outside. ;)

[Harlock]

Yah your right, thanks! I'm gonna tell him to tub test, since it's winter here, the water would freeze and crack the tank outside. ;)
Hee hee, it's winter here too! Today's high will be 75*F. Ah, the desert...

[Blinky]

:OT:
Harlock, that's not fair! 75F, I'm SO jelous... it's freeeezing here! :)

[Yo_Loach]

Hahahaha. I just got back from snowmobiling :D -30 Celsius ;)

[Darkblade48]

:OT:
Harlock, that's not fair! 75F, I'm SO jelous... it's freeeezing here! :)

You should take a look outside. There's at least a few inches of snow, and I have to commute ~ 1.5 hours to go downtown to get to UT.

[Maj0rFiSh]

MY 55 gallon dosent have any black lining like my other 2 tanks do, it has a glass centre piece though, and two pieces in the bottom in the middle.

[daveedka]

Tanks with a center brace, basically need the scenter brace to limit glass bowing, this allows the manufacturer to use a thinner pane, and still create a sturdy tank. Otherwise Our 55's would weigh too much (arguably)

Aside from center braces, the black rims are aesthetic only. the silicone is the real structure that holds the tank together. and if the silicone is uncompromised the tanks should be fine without the platic frames. I have a few tanks that I have repaired that either didn't have a frame, or didn't have one when I finished repairing them. they have served me well, despite the fact that they are ugly without the finished rim.
dave

[Yo_Loach]

Ok thanks a lot, I dont think he's done anything with them yet, but I'll let him know, thank you!