The Modern Standard Aquarium
Nowadays, virtually all aquariums are assembled using silicone, whether they are fitted with decorative trims, aluminum frames, or stand as pure glass tanks. Silicone revolutionized the aquarium hobby by replacing old putty, offering extreme durability, elasticity, and resistance to water pressure.
Aesthetics and the "Raw" Look
This list includes the aquariums I have owned that are completely frameless – often referred to as rimless glass aquariums. Personally, I really like the minimalist and raw look of a clean silicone-bonded aquarium. It provides an undisturbed view of the fish and plants. However, some aquarists prefer frames (e.g., aluminum) as they effectively hide the substrate and calcium deposits at the water line.
Technical Details and Safety
When working with silicone-bonded tanks, it is crucial to ensure that acetic acid-based aquarium-safe silicone is used to avoid toxic leaching. For larger rimless tanks, pay close attention to glass thickness and potential cross-braces to prevent glass bowing. A general rule for tensile strength in the silicone joint can be expressed as:
$$sigma = frac{F}{A}$$
where $sigma$ is the stress, $F$ is the force from water pressure, and $A$ is the area of the silicone joint. Always ensure the aquarium sits on a perfectly level surface, preferably with a thin layer of foam or a specialized mat in between, to prevent point loading that could cause the glass to crack.
