loose frame... do i need to replace it?

[Ditka]

i picked up this 29g off of craigslist with a welded stand and glass top for $30. It was dirty as he**. Salt crusted all over it, a bunch of grime, had been drained and not touched in the last year or so. I cleaned it up pretty well and noticed in the process that the fame for the tank, it being a glass tank, was a bit lose on the top edge at one point. I figured i would fill it up and give it a leak test to see if i would need to rebuild it from the ground up... now i am here.

The tank is bowing. I am not sure how much deflection is within a safe range because this is my first aquarium and thought i would post here to be safe.

Pertinent info:
29 Gallon
30x12x18
1/4" glass (not sure about bottom thickness)

This is to demonstrate what i mean by a loose rim. That is 8 playing cards, the frame is relatively tight in almost all other areas and i can only comfortably fit 4 playing cards between the frame and the glass. you can not tell in the picture but it is also bowed out away from the glass, as in the glass is perpendicular to the floor but the rim is at an obtuse angle to the floor.This is glass l This is the rim /

A picture of the corner for reference of the proper width of the tank.

The center of the tank, 3/16" out (4.76mm)... Should i be worried about putting my HOB filter on this rim?

This is my only indication as to the brand of the aquarium, along with the Tetra stick on thermometer. What brand??

so...

Should i be worried?
if yes, should i get a new frame for the tank? ( i am assuming it would be better and much easier to remove and replace as opposed to remove and reuse.)
if yes, when i remove the frame should i disassemble the tank and re-silicone it entirely?

Thank you in advance

 

[Nolapete]

A 29 doesn't require a center brace, so no worries. I'd remove the rim, clean off the silicone on the brace and on the top of the glass (NOT THE INSIDE OF THE TANK) then put some new 100% silicone in the channel of the rim and press it back down in place. Really easy to do and you won't have any more trouble. The plastic rim is only there to protect the glass. It doesn't hold the tank together.

 

[Ditka]

ok, so i should at-least re adhere the current frame to the top.
i wouldn't mind changing the frame to a black one, would it be relatively easy to remove the bottom frame without damaging the seals in-between the glass?

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

I had the same exact problem with a 80 CL tank I bought but diden't notice until it was stocked. I just lowered the water and then carefully cut and replaced the plastic frame anyway, which incidentally is just ornamental and provides a place for you to hang things like your HOB filter.

But since your tank is empty it will be easier. As far as black instead of going through all that work and expense for new plastic, after reglueing the old I would just mask off the tank sand the plastic to clean it up and paint it black.

One not of caution be vary careful cutting the old frame off and do not bend it too much or it will snap in two being in a hurry. Jut keep cutting the old silicone and let the framing fall off on its own. jabbing, forcing bending and pulling will only break the plastic, chip the glass, and cut you hands.
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209211&highlight=frame

 

[Ditka]

well...
The good news is that i got the top rim off! the bad news is that it is in 30 pieces... i ordered a new one with two day shipping last night.
When i took the top frame off of the tank i found that the silicone bond in the area of the "8 playing cards under the rim" was completely gone for about six inches. I also found that the silicone job the rest of the way around was pretty good and a PITA to remove. I will never recommend that someone with a plastic framed tank try to remove the frame in one piece. it just does not seem possible. How are you supposed to cut the silicone that is on the top edge of the glass?