Rimless glass aquariums are arguably the most sought after type of fish tank. Rimless aquarium tanks are now readily available; however, not all options are created with the same quality. Let’s take a deeper look at why rimless aquarium tanks are trending and why they are the superior choice to cheaply made traditional framed or rimmed aquariums.
Are rimless aquariums better?
In short, YES! Rimless aquariums provide a beautiful and unique viewing experience. The uninterrupted display is clear and allows the hobbyist to fully enjoy their livestock, plants or corals that are housed in the tank without distraction. The lack of a bulky rim ensures a quality build by requiring a seamless application of the silicone glue that is used to hold glass panels together securely.
The silicone glue that holds the panels of rimless glass aquariums tend to be even better because the flaws of lesser quality control of the glue would be immensely highlighted without the distraction of a black frame.
Which glass is best for an aquarium?
Not all glass used for rimless aquariums are created equally. Several terms are commonly used – Amongst them are: low iron, ultra clear and high clarity. These terms are used often and may shift depending on a brand’s marketing strategy, but it is typically easy to confirm quality by performing a simple visual inspection.
The best way to confirm that a rimless aquarium is made from high-quality glass is by looking at the glass color itself. Lower grade glass will produce a green tint upon inspection while high quality glass tends to produce a tone that ranges from a slight blue tint to white or clear. When seeing the terms aforementioned, the glass should match the color spectrum provided when inspecting the aquarium.
The quality of glass used is key for ensuring an enjoyable experience. Lower quality glass has the potential to create distortion at different angles ultimately limiting the aquarist’s viewing access. When real low iron, ultra clear and high clarity glass is used, the aquarium tank can be viewed at all angles with minimal distortion, if any at all. One might even argue that the best angle to view a “high iron” glass aquarium is directly from the front. While high quality glass tanks are viewable from all angles without much distortion at all.
How thick should glass be for rimless aquarium?
The thickness of glass used to produce a rimless glass aquarium is another important factor when considering the purchase of a tank. Based on a formula that involves the total volume of water being held, the manufacturer will assign a glass thickness to ensure each aquarium tank can withstand the pressure safely. The smaller the aquarium tank is, the thinner the glass can be and in contrast, the larger the aquarium tank is, the thicker the glass needs to be to ensure quality and safety.
In general, rimless aquariums between 1 – 10 gallons are constructed with 5mm glass thickness and tanks larger in size (30 – 60 gallons) will utilize 10mm glass thickness and so forth. Different brands may vary.
What holds a rimless aquarium together?
As mentioned, rimless glass aquariums are held together using aquarium-safe silicone. The application process along with removal of excess silicone requires a high level of precision and speaks to the overall quality of the rimless tank. Ultum Nature Systems rimless glass aquariums use high clarity glass and have the cleanest silicone application we’ve seen to date.
Why Ultum Nature Systems rimless glass aquariums?
Ultum Nature Systems rimless glass aquariums offer a beautiful aesthetic and uninterrupted display of the planted, freshwater, reef or marine life. Each UNS rimless aquarium sports ultra clear glass panels and the original 45 degree mitered edge, elevating the look and feel of the aquarium. Each glass panel also features an ever so slight beveled edge to elevate the look and feel of the tanks. With an impressive range of sizes available, there are over 30 models to choose from to accommodate any and all styles of aquarium hobbies. Learn more about each style of aquarium UNS offers below:
U model standard rimless aquarium tanks
The U model rimless aquariums are exclusive to Ultum Nature Systems. This line features innovative dimensions previously unknown to the industry and provides more depth when compared to standard industry sizing. The added space accommodates the creation of more dynamic aquascapes.
Tank volume range from: 9 – 156 gallons
C model cube rimless aquarium tanks
The C model rimless aquarium line offers beautiful symmetry. These cube aquarium tanks are fantastic for tighter spaces that may not accommodate full standard or long rimless tanks. The C aquariums provide less space for aquascaping but remain one of the most popular aquarium styles.
Tank volume range from: 1 – 30 gallons
N model nano rimless aquarium tanks
The N aquarium line consists of nano tank models. Nano tanks are a classic in the hobby and a favorite amongst beginners and seasoned hobbyists. These aquariums take up little space, but offer ample room for creating dynamic aquascapes and beautiful displays. UNS nano aquariums are ideal for Betta fish tanks, shrimp tanks and nano schooling tropical fish.
Tank volume range from: 3 – 4 gallons
P model industry rimless aquarium standard tanks
P model aquariums are typically readily available through various brands. These sizes are fairly standard across the board and offer tried and true dimensions.
Tank volume range from: 36 – 78 gallons
L and B model long rimless aquariums tanks
Long and bookshelf glass aquariums provide a dynamic view of nano schooling fish. The L and B aquarium’s longer profile provides plenty of horizontal swimming space.
Tank volume range from: 3.8 – 21 gallons
S model shallow rimless aquarium tanks
Shallow rimless aquariums are another unique offering in the UNS tank lineup. These aquariums feature a lower height paired with increased depth dimensions. The shallow tank’s low profile calls for “out of the box” thinking to create unique aquascape layouts. UNS shallow aquarium tanks are U models cut down in height!
Tank volume range from: 3.8 – 21 gallons
T model tall rimless aquarium tanks
The T line of rimless aquariums are another unique offering in the UNS product lineup. These tall tanks offer increased vertical height and volume to house creativity along with livestock that may do better with more water volume and overall space.
Tank volume range from: 1.5 – 24.3 gallons
A model all-in-on rimless aquarium tanks
Ultum Nature Systems All-In-One (AIO) rimless aquarium tanks are inspired by the most popular UNS U model aquariums. Those who have an AIO rimless aquarium enjoy the added benefit of the built-in filtration system. The added filtration chambers eliminate the need for external filtration equipment and additional space. UNS All-In-One rimless tanks are a hassle-free solution for anyone interested in having a full setup from the start.
Tank volume range from: 8 – 20 gallons
Final thoughts
In conclusion, there are many styles, shapes and sizes of rimless glass aquarium fish tanks available on the market today. Whether you are keeping a freshwater, planted or marine aquarium, there’s a tank for you. We hope this article has provided you with the information you need when considering the purchase of your next rimless aquarium.
If you’re interested, check out all the Ultum Nature Systems Rimless Glass Aquariums here.
Need even more aquascaping inspiration? Check out all our planted aquariums tanks here.
Excellent Blog! Lots of great info! Thanks!
Once you go rimless, and low-iron in particular- it’s pretty hard to go back.
Worth the investment in my opinion. They look just so much better in a home than a traditional framed tank.
We would prefer rimless for all our tanks if possible
Ultum Nature System brings an all-encompassing line of tanks with beautiful quality and elegance. I’m coming to believe to do Aquascaping right, it’s best to start with UNS.
UNS creates “a work of art” on its own. I love the rimless tank!
Rimless tanks all the way – much better options for majority of tank accessories!
Truly the best type of tank.