Rimless Tanks

[TMaier]

Ok I'm old-ish. I have a question. What exactly is holding a rimless tank together? The amount of silicone at the joints is the equivalent of a Brazilian bikini wax. What keeps the dang things from falling apart with all that water pressure?

I find a nice thick bead of silicon and frame very comforting.

 

[t-bone]

The butt-joints of the glass where the glass is "glued" together is the structural bond. The bead inside the aquarium doesn't do much for strengthening the aquarium it is mainly there to prevent leaks. The end of one piece is glued to the face of the other piece of glass. It works the same with some woodworking projects. People think the nails hold the piece together but it is really the glue bond that holds the two pieces of wood together.

 

[TMaier]

How many years are the bonds expected to hold up?

 

[t-bone]

Some silicone states it has a 50 year life and that is outside in the sun. I would think it would last a long time without UV damage from the sun. Silicone is some tough stuff when applied correctly.