Remove the Rim from a 29g HQI Biocube?

jimsflies · 07-12-2011, 10:25 PM

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 · 07-12-2011, 10:47 PM

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

Sir Patrick · 07-12-2011, 10:47 PM

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 · 07-12-2011, 11:06 PM

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 · 07-12-2011, 11:37 PM

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"...

Sir Patrick · 07-12-2011, 11:42 PM

I like the rimless biocube idea.

larryandlaura · 07-13-2011, 05:01 AM

A rimless Biocube brilliant.

bluwc · 07-13-2011, 08:57 AM

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.