55 gallon glass aquarium question about plastic trim

[CichlidZ67]

I posted this before but had no responses. Please advise.
I have a 55 gallon long glass aquarium. Probably 30 years old and has been in storage for 20. I would love to reseal it and use it as a sump for my 110 gal Cichlid setup, but the top frame and bottom frame are broken beyond repair. All the plastics on my older stuff is brittle and broken. Question. Is the plastic frame for appearance or is it structural? This tank has 1/2" glass. (Correction, I think it is 3/8") I have watched some videos and taken the old silicone off. Before I spend my time taping and recaulking, will it hold up without plastic trim? Thanks!

 

[Gourami Swami]

It is structural, braces the tank. I wouldn't use a 30 year old tank with no bracing and cracked silicon. You can build bracing for it out of wood if you really want, but I would just find another 55 on craigslist, should be easy enough to do for 50 bucks or so.

 

[deeda]

You can also buy new plastic frames for the tank though you will need to take careful measurements to be sure you buy the correct size.

I also would not use that tank without the plastic frames.

 

[CichlidZ67]

I found this on the web:
A: There are several purposes of an aquarium frame. The frames with braces you see on larger aquariums help support the glass panels from bowing to an extent where the glass could possibly break. Aquarium frames are also used for cosmetic reasons (i.e. They hide water lines and give your tank a trimmed, finished look). They can also be used to cover any sharp edges on the glass of your aquarium and to hold your tops/hoods.


Q: Do aquarium frames hold your tank together?

A: Aquarium frames are not designed to hold your tank together. Frames with braces do help support the glass from bowing too much, but a properly built tank should only be held together by the silicone seams.



I have the time to water test the aquarium outside. I think resealing an aquarium of any age is probably the safest. I'm going to try it. I can't find a 55 gal on Craigslist and I live in a top 25 city size wise. If I have it already, try it. I will buy the bottom frame for $15 and gorilla glue the broken top frame. Thanks for advice! I guess we'll know if my den can hold 55 gallons of water. Lol