Can the frame be removed from an aquarium?

M

msquared

AC Members
Jan 31, 2008
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16
St. Charles, Missouri
I'm wondering if it is safe and feasible to remove the bottom frame from a typical rectangular glass fish tank. Mainly I want to make sure it wouldn't structurally weaken the tank. Secondarily, how is the frame attached and can it be removed without damaging the glass. Third, will the glass that it covered up be clean (or able to be cleaned) once the frame is removed?

This may sound like an odd question. I'm asking because I have a 36" countertop and may want to set up a 36"-wide aquarium on it. But typical aquariums with a frame at the bottom would hang off the edges of the counter by the width of the frame (around 1/8" each side), and I don't want that. But if I can safely remove the bottom frame, it would fit perfectly. I would leave the top frame to retain the hood and light. So what is the verdict?
 
I have been successful removing the top and bottom frame for the purpose of re siliconing a used aquarium that I aquired for free. it is held by silicone, and as long as you strip all the silicone off of the frame before re-installing it, you SHOULD be successful.(what works for some might not necessarily work for others.)
 
Not worth the gamble, IMO.
 
Just get yourself a piece of plywood that is just 1/2 wider than the table so that the tanks sits on the ply. I would suggest a min 5/8 in thick ply and 3/4 would be better.

Get "one side good" ply and you can paint, stain or poly eurethane it- whatever finish you like. As a bonus the ply will protect the table top which otherwise will likely be ruined by water spills and drips.
 
TwoTankAmin, I would do exactly what you suggest if it were just a matter of structural support. Problem is, I don't want edges hanging off this countertop because people walk by it and I'm afraid they will hit it and get hurt (three kids in the house, especially). I don't think the surface is a problem, since it's just formica.

The easy solution appears to be to settle for a 29g tank that would only be 30" wide. I just thought it would be very nice looking to have glass sides exactly flush with the counter edges, and that it would be really good to have the extra swimming space for the fish. The hard alternative I guess would be to build a custom tank or have one made of glass or acrylic ($$$). Maybe the DIY route would be a good winter project. We'll see.
 
I tried to remove the frame on a 2.5 gallon tank so it would have that fancy frameless look to it. I broke it down the middle trying to take off the top frame. I wouldn't do it.
 
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