Planet Aquariums Concerns

Cheese_stikk

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Moved into my new house and finally received my Mega Matrix 120 from planet aquariums.
I ordered a trimmed tank because If done correctly the trim/bracing will help hold the pressure at the seams.
Upon receiving my new tank I noticed that the trim around the bottom and top are 4 separate pieces. This is concerning because from my knowledge it appears that this trim adds no extra structural integrity. There is also no euro bracing on this tank.

I have an Alufab 80/20 stand that the tank is going on. Should I cut my loss and look for a better tank with 1 piece trim or am I overthinking this.

 
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Cheese_stikk

Cheese_stikk

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I just received my Planet Aquariums Mega Matrix 120. I ordered a trimmed tank because I wanted the strongest option available.
Upon receiving my new tank I noticed that the trim pieces around the bottom and top are 4 individual pieces and there is also no euro bracing. I am concerned that this tank is no stronger than a rimless option without euro bracing.
I have an Alufab stand that the tank is going on and I would like a tank that will last 10+ years. Should I cut my losses and order an aquarium with better bracing or am I overthinking this?

PXL_20250325_220730989.jpg
 

JumboShrimp

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I certainly see your point. As far as I am aware, Euro bracing is a significant safeguard-- whereas those unconnected pieces of trim look more cosmetic (only). Let's see what others think; I've never owned that brand of tank.
 

DCR

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The trim does not add any significant strength, even in one piece. It is mainly there to keep the edges from getting chipped due to accidental impacts
 

Reginald Reefer III

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All of the aquarium's structural integrity comes from the bonds between the glass and the silicone. That bond is extremely strong and will not just come undone except for poor adhesion and/or improper prep of the glass. Euro bracing is just another set of bonds to help minimize the thickness of glass needed to ensure the outward static loading from the water is well below the tensile strength of the silicone.

IMO a 120 gallon aquarium with that thick of glass will have NO issue holding water long term. 100% of aquarium manufacturers have done the engineering calculations and wouldn't be selling something that is structurally not sound.

Before someone mentions Red-Sea, that is 100% crappy silicone and/or glass. The chemical bond is shoddy.
 
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Cheese_stikk

Cheese_stikk

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The trim does not add any significant strength, even in one piece. It is mainly there to keep the edges from getting chipped due to accidental impacts
All of the aquarium's structural integrity comes from the bonds between the glass and the silicone. That bond is extremely strong and will not just come undone except for poor adhesion and/or improper prep of the glass. Euro bracing is just another set of bonds to help minimize the thickness of glass needed to ensure the outward static loading from the water is well below the tensile strength of the silicone.

IMO a 120 gallon aquarium with that thick of glass will have NO issue holding water long term. 100% of aquarium manufacturers have done the engineering calculations and wouldn't be selling something that is structurally not sound.

Before someone mentions Red-Sea, that is 100% crappy silicone and/or glass. The chemical bond is shoddy.
Thank you for the input. This makes me feel better about my decision on going with Planet Aquariums.
I hear people talk highly about their tanks, but then again I see people say not to trust anything without trim/bracing.
My current tank is a deep blue 65 with standard bracing and has been up and running for 8 years without issue.
 

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