[PRSRocker3390]

I am making a rimless 5.5 tank using the DIY method. I have an AGA 5.5 and already removed the top and bottom rims. I am now just cleaning off the excess silicone. My question is once I clean off the excess silicone including the silicone on the bottom of the tank, is there any precautions I should take when setting up the tank? I heard some people place the tank on a mat or something like that? Do you need something under it? I am going to place the tank on an end table in my bedroom where I had my old 5.5 running. I am going to test fill it in the garage first to see if it holds initially with no leaks. Does a 5.5 really need the rims to stay together? They seem pretty flimsy and useless anyway but I could be wrong. Anyone else have luck with a 5.5 diy rimless?

 

[pandapr]

mine is about 5 months after de-rimmed and so far is holding. I don't use a mat

 

[PRSRocker3390]

Both rims off? And all excess silicone removed?

 

[pandapr]

yes and so far no leaks. that was my second attempt, first time I tried it I broke one tank. It takes patience but you got that covered so fill it up for a day and see what happens

 

[theredben]

You will need some kind of a mat/foam underneath the tank if you are worried about unevenness of your table surface. I have my 10g on my kitchen counter, and just to be safe, I put some foam underneath. Seems like cheap insurance to me.

 

[AquaDean]

I would use a mat of some sort, mainly because the glass in a 5 gallon tank is so thin. A couple ideas that have worked great for me in the past.

Go to your local hardware or tool store (Sears, Lowes) and in the tool box area buy a tool box liner/mat. They are 1/16" to 1/8" thick usually black and easy to cut to size.

Or you could go to your local craft store (Michael's, Joann Fabrics) and they usually sell some thin foam sheets, the type that kids cut shapes out of for craft projects. These come in different colors and thicknesses but you'd probably be fine with the one that is just under 1/8" thick. I like the black color the best as it blends in better.

To cut these to size I usually put the mat on a piece of cardboard, place the tank on top and hold down tightly as I take a very sharp razer knife around the base of the tank cutting or at least scoring the pad.

I agree the 'theredben' this is very cheap insurance.