Remove the Rim from a 29g HQI Biocube?

[jimsflies]

I had this wild idea pop into my head about removing the big black ugly rim from the top of my 29 gallon HQI biocube. Has anyone come across anyone else that has attempted this? This tank would look 1000 times better I think without that ugly black plastic "rimstock".

[MizTanks]

It would look 1000x better. Maybe I should do it to lil 8g so you could see how it would look :)

[Sir Patrick]

Wish I had something to add helpfull- but i have never owned an AIO tank of any kind.

I would asume that if it was made to handle "rimless" capabilities, it might be, in a way, eurobraced- underneath the plastic rim. If its not, I would tend to think it wont handle the pressure of the water with out the added enforcement/integrity of the water weight.

I sure hope I am wrong though, and its very possible i am. I am just guessing/thinking out loud on the subject really. I think the cube would look awsome without the top!

Hope you find your answer soon Jim.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Good question. It certainly would look nice rim-less, but I would be wary to be the first person to try it. I think you should find a used one cheap, hack the top off, and run it with FW outside for a month. Then you could at least be sure it won't pop right away.

Looking forward to the photo montage on this DIY.

Tom

[jimsflies]

Yeah...just hoping someone might happen along that has either tried this or seen someone that has. I really always wanted the Solana 34 gallon rimless tank, but this biocube presented itself in a deal and the rest is history. Lately been thinking about the Solana again...but had this crazy notion that the hqi could be sharp without that ugly black rim...it is also likely the edge of the glass is fairly ugly too. Unlike the beveled and polished edge of the Solana tank.

The most likely scenario (other than me living with what I have already) is having a tank made similar to the Solana by Great Lakes or someone. That way, I don't have to pay for all the parts I won't use that come with the Solanas. I'm mostly just thinking "out loud"... :crazy:

[Sir Patrick]

I like the rimless biocube idea.

[larryandlaura]

A rimless Biocube brilliant.

[bluwc]

I am not sure how the glass would actually look though. I have taken the top trim off other tanks and usually the 1/2" of glass above the bottom of the trim has been sanded/shaved/little chips, etc and it looks horrible. The glass under the trim isn't usually finished/polished because that's what the trim isthere for...to hide the defects. I could be wrong because I have never taken one off a biocube, so you might be ok. If you do decide to take it off, make sure you are pretty careful because I pulled a nice size chip out along with the trim when I removed the trim from my sump.

[Tankster]

had this crazy notion that the hqi could be sharp without that ugly black rim...

:devil: Do it!

[xX Th3 Om3n Xx]

On another site someone did this. You MUSt have a brace or it'll bow out and ****ter.......

[jimsflies]

If you come across a link to where they did it please forward it to me.

[xX Th3 Om3n Xx]

Im visiting campus right now. Ill look later tonight man. I wanted to do it so bad but I read that post and it scared me off. I now just have a "topless" bc lol

[xX Th3 Om3n Xx]

Then again i don't have the hqi.mine topless doesn't look too bad. Boy is that stock rim stocky!

[jimsflies]

Found this little gem....

‪Rimless Biocube 29 Nano Tank with many Add-Ons/Mods‬‏ - YouTube

That looks pretty sweet! Right? (...Well except for the tangs. :shrug:)

[bluwc]

Better not let the tang police see that video!

[jimsflies]

We're just looking at the "rimless" feature. Also not sure why one would put a sump on a biocube and not install a real skimmer. I'm not interested in that stuff either...although after I get the new LEDs hung over the cube, I may look into a Reef Octopus hang on the back skimmer if I can make it work.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

So, now we know it's possible... and it looks sweet! The next question is when are you chopping up your biocube?

Tom

[jimsflies]

I think you and I should get together for some "jimsflies" projects! We can modify the LEDs and the cube. Glad I have wheels on my tank stand. Should be able to pull it out of and do the mod with no problem.

Couple other photos I just found on the net:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/rimless-biocube.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/rimless-biocube2.jpg

[jimsflies]

schminksbro think we can get an acrylic frame made for my mesh?

[MizTanks]

Jim just have one built~ya know ya wanna and ya know you really miss your cube~soooo DO IT!!! :big_grin:

[larryandlaura]

Jim just have one built~ya know ya wanna and ya know you really miss your cube~soooo DO IT!!! :big_grin:

Yeah just do it Jim! And then post the pictures!

[jimsflies]

Another photo....
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/rimless-biocube3.jpg

[Tankster]

:devil: Do it!

[schminksbro]

Possibly but it will be very expensive!;)


schminksbro think we can get an acrylic frame made for my mesh?

[larryandlaura]

Man that is a sweet tank!

[jimsflies]

I guess I'm going to go for it this weekend. :cower:

[bluwc]

Well this should be interesting lol. Make sure you take pics before/during/after...or better yet a video? lol

[jimsflies]

Yup full documentation. I probably better have a plastic bin, extra water and a shop vac around just in case.

[larryandlaura]

Best of luck Jim! The results will be way worth it!

[jimsflies]

Well I finished the project tonight. Here are some pics of the process and final product:

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/biocube-rimless-1.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/biocube-rimless-2.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/biocube-rimless-3.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/biocube-rimless-4.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/biocube-rimless-5.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/biocube-rimless-6.jpg

[MizTanks]

OMG! You did it!!! Man now I want my 8g back. That is just to sweet!!! Way to go Jim :highfive3:

[bluwc]

Wonderful Jim! I'm amazed and happy for you that it wasn't like most tanks with the ugly glass under the rim. Great Job!

[jimsflies]

Yup glass isn't too bad under there. Its not polished, but it is very livable...looks better than the black trim.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Well done. I think the set up looks much nicer now.

Tom

[2pairs]

The tank looks great, but now you need to do something to dress up that LED light.

[jimsflies]

The tank looks great, but now you need to do something to dress up that LED light.

I agree...been trying to think of options. I'm thinking some sort of frosted glass shroud would be cool...or something that will pick up a little of the blue light around the bottom...just not sure yet how to make that happen.

[2pairs]

I can only offer one suggestion and that is what ever you put it in have it over hang the led's.
That way when you look at it, it won't make you see spots. I found this out by experience.