Alright, yes this is going to be another thread on do I really need a frame on the aquarium. But hear me out, this thread might just be a bit different than the others.
I will admit that if you ask me, if the manufacture put a frame on it, it needs a frame on it. But what if one manufacture makes their tank with a frame and another doesn't?
IE: I just picked up a 120 gallon tank, 48x24x24. Its an older tank, full 1/2" glass. I believe its an Oceanic made tank but cannot confirm 100%. The frame is cracked top and bottom in multiple places and missing the center brace completely. Guy said he hasn't had a center brace on it in over 4 years that its been running. He did measure the tank with water in it for me, and there was zero measurable bow in the glass. So that got me thinking. I did some research and found that other manufactures that make tanks of this size in rimless variants also use 1/2" glass. Specifically, Planet Aquarium's 120 and Waterbox Aquarium's INFINIA Reef 150.4 both tanks use 12mm (1/2") glass. Out of curiosity, I used an aquarium class thickness calculator and 0.47" glass passes at a 3.8 safety factor.
So with all that said, in this particular case. Is there really a need for frame? My gut says yes, but the evidence says no.
I'm also wondering what other factors might be at play that affect the structural integrity of the tank. Such as, overall quality of the glass, is there different silicone that is used in instances of rimless aquariums that have a higher bonding strength, ect. Are these things I'm just overlooking? I'm not sure, and I'm really just looking for other's opinions and knowledge in this area.
I will admit that if you ask me, if the manufacture put a frame on it, it needs a frame on it. But what if one manufacture makes their tank with a frame and another doesn't?
IE: I just picked up a 120 gallon tank, 48x24x24. Its an older tank, full 1/2" glass. I believe its an Oceanic made tank but cannot confirm 100%. The frame is cracked top and bottom in multiple places and missing the center brace completely. Guy said he hasn't had a center brace on it in over 4 years that its been running. He did measure the tank with water in it for me, and there was zero measurable bow in the glass. So that got me thinking. I did some research and found that other manufactures that make tanks of this size in rimless variants also use 1/2" glass. Specifically, Planet Aquarium's 120 and Waterbox Aquarium's INFINIA Reef 150.4 both tanks use 12mm (1/2") glass. Out of curiosity, I used an aquarium class thickness calculator and 0.47" glass passes at a 3.8 safety factor.
So with all that said, in this particular case. Is there really a need for frame? My gut says yes, but the evidence says no.
I'm also wondering what other factors might be at play that affect the structural integrity of the tank. Such as, overall quality of the glass, is there different silicone that is used in instances of rimless aquariums that have a higher bonding strength, ect. Are these things I'm just overlooking? I'm not sure, and I'm really just looking for other's opinions and knowledge in this area.
