Removing the frame from an aquarium?

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M00n3at3r

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Aug 21, 2013
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Is it viable? Just taking the trim off and cleaning up the edges and using it like that?
 

FishFanMan

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Jun 13, 2013
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Naperville, IL
Probably depends on the size of the tank. Maybe up to 20 gallons or so? How big is the tank? Is it glass or plastic tank? I have a 5 gallon frameless on top.

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Pinkey

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Nov 16, 2004
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Nate
As already stated, a small tank can stay with no frame. A larger tank would need the frame replaced. Replacement frames are available for most brands. I replaced a frame on a 120 a number of years ago. It is possible.
 

M00n3at3r

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Aug 21, 2013
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Probably depends on the size of the tank. Maybe up to 20 gallons or so? How big is the tank? Is it glass or plastic tank? I have a 5 gallon frameless on top.

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It's a 75g glass. Previously used as a snake tank, but the heat lamp melted the center brace.
 

Glabe

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May 10, 2011
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For a 48" 75g, the center brace is VERY important. The front and back glass will bow outward without the brace, and probably fail soon after
 

M00n3at3r

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Aug 21, 2013
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For a 48" 75g, the center brace is VERY important. The front and back glass will bow outward without the brace, and probably fail soon after
So what if I was able to get a glass center brace and glue and silicone it on?
 

ktrom13

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Feb 4, 2013
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If the center brace damage is as bad as it seems you should try eurobracing. Alot of members on MFK used this method with success

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viboy

Born Sarcastic
Mar 15, 2002
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I wouldn't chance the glass brace. The used tank that I bought failed. I had it repaired with a glass centre brace and the silicon let go and the tank again started to bow. Better to replace the frame or get a new tank.
 

dudley

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Feb 9, 2005
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The glass edges may not be smooth once you remove the plastic trim frame so the edges would need to be sanded or eased to reduce injury.

I also don't recommend removing the frame without adding additional support, either through replacing the OEM frame or bracing with glass strips that are the same thickness as the tank glass.
 

FreshyFresh

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Jan 11, 2013
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I wouldn't use a 75g w/out the center brace. The center brace is quite large on my newer Aqueon 75g. I'd determine what you have first. Is it an Aqueon/All-glass (Central Garden and Pet), or is it a Marineland (United Pet Group)? Go from there ordering a new top frame.
 
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