rimless aquarium safety?

[FLhome4strays]

A friend of my son just gave him a 55? gal long (48*20*12 I think it was...)
He told my son that it had been used as a reptile home, and that it leaked, but was otherwise sound.

I siliconed it up (discovering along the way how BAD I am at spreading that gunk!!!) well and have it sitting filled on the porch to see if it still leaks.

My ? is this: there's no rim on the top of the tank. I'm not concerned about the LOOKS, but I'm wondering if this will compromise the SAFETY of the tank. In other words, will lack of a top rim cause the tank to break / leak? The glass is about 3/8" thick, and the silicone wasn't done too well before I topped it off with more inexpertly done silicone work.

Am I asking for trouble if I bring this in the house & fill it?

[Lady Hobbs]

It is probably missing the top rim and should be replaced. You can buy them pretty cheap but it keeps the tank from bowing. I would not use it without this brace which also means the center brace is probably missing.

Not all tanks are fish tanks. Reptile tanks have thinner glass and should not be used for fish.

[markbob]

Lady Hobbs, can you provide us with some of your expert tips for handling silicone?:ezpi_wink1:

[Lady Hobbs]

OK smart butt.

[Incredulous_Ed]

Is it specifically made for fish or reptiles? If it is a reptile tank, it will break if it's fully filled with water.

[cocoa_pleco]

if its a reptile tank, dont use it. reptile tanks are made differently, and with reptiles theres very little weight on the side of the glass compared to 55g of water

[FLhome4strays]

Not a clue if it was a reptile tank or originally an aquarium, but the more I thought about it the more nervous I got at the prospect of 50 gal of water flooding my house. Since my hubby banned more pets in the house (I'd suggested another snake.....) I donated the tank to a local favorite ma / pa petshop - telling them it was for reptiles only. They were quite happy and at least someone will get use out of it. Thanks!