View Full Version : Bow Front Tank Question
dhanson1123
08-12-2008, 2:14 PM
I am looking at a used Oceanic 46 gal bow front tank (All Glass). Is there any negatives to owning a bow front tank? Are they more apt to leak or
less reliable. Anything I should know before buying? Any input would be greatly aprreciated.
krytan
08-12-2008, 2:17 PM
Helo, :welcome: to AC.
IMO they distort the view of the fish.
Also magnet glass cleaners won't work on a bowed peice of glass.
everyone has their preference with tanks. Some like cube some like rectangular others like bow. Its totally up to you which one to go for. I think bow tanks are nice, they give a new perspective to fish/decor.
(btw magnetic glass cleaners will work on bow tanks, just flit it so its vertical)
krytan
08-12-2008, 2:38 PM
(btw magnetic glass cleaners will work on bow tanks, just flit it so its vertical)
Sorry i stand corrected, i only have the one bow front tank and have found it difficult to use a magnet cleaner on.
jpappy789
08-12-2008, 2:43 PM
The big negative I think is the price compared to rectangular.
Hurley
08-12-2008, 3:03 PM
The big negative I think is the price compared to rectangular.
:iagree:
bowfronts are much more expensive and you can get so much more tank for your dollar if you keep with rectangular tanks. But otherwise, I have never heard of them being more prone to leaking. Its just a matter of how much tank you want and how much you are willing to pay for it. Check out craigslist if you are looking for a bowfront cheaper then for what you pay in the store. Every once in awhile one pops up.
bushwhacker
08-12-2008, 3:12 PM
as its a used tank, if the price is right, i'd grab it.. i just sold my 46 gallon bow as i didnt have room for it and the 75, never really saw any distortion
Tophat665
08-12-2008, 3:13 PM
The only problem I have with tanks that aren't rectangular (or even rectangular tanks that aren't a standard size) is that it can be difficult and/or expensive to find lids (not so much a problem for a standard bowfront), hoods, and upgraded lighting. On the other hand, one can fairly easily solve this problem DIY with minimal glasscutting and carpentry expertise in any tank except a bowfront, which requires either really finicky mitering or wood bending skills, neither of which I have.
robbob2112
08-12-2008, 3:15 PM
I have a 46 gallon bow front, the only negative I have is finding a glass lid to fit it was painful. A lot of them were 1/4" or less to wide to fit, I finally went to the store with a tape measure and opened 6 boxes to find one cut exactly right. If you buy one, I recommend getting the glass lid right then or plan on having it cut at a glass company.
dhanson1123
08-12-2008, 3:24 PM
I have a 46 gallon bow front, the only negative I have is finding a glass lid to fit it was painful. A lot of them were 1/4" or less to wide to fit, I finally went to the store with a tape measure and opened 6 boxes to find one cut exactly right. If you buy one, I recommend getting the glass lid right then or plan on having it cut at a glass company.
robbob2112, Do you find any distortion of the fish when looking at various angles?
dhanson1123
08-12-2008, 3:28 PM
I am looking at a used Oceanic 46 gal bow front tank (All Glass). Is there any negatives to owning a bow front tank? Are they more apt to leak or
less reliable. Anything I should know before buying? Any input would be greatly aprreciated.
Thanks everyone for the quick response. This tank is advertised for $75
with top, light, heater and penguin filter. For a little more money I can get an acrylic tank (~$100-125). Would acrylic be the better way to go?
Thanks everyone for the quick response. This tank is advertised for $75
with top, light, heater and penguin filter. For a little more money I can get an acrylic tank (~$100-125). Would acrylic be the better way to go?
Glass or acrylic same thing.. Unless ofcourse its for a large tank then theres a huge weight difference. Acrylic is a nice display tank but is very sensitive to scratches. So unless you can find one with minimum scratches go for it.
robbob2112
08-12-2008, 6:53 PM
robbob2112, Do you find any distortion of the fish when looking at various angles?
I'm looking at right now and I can't see any distortions... the curve of the glass is small enough that it isn't a problem... I also use a magnetic algae scraper and never have a problem, vertical or horizontal. I think that may be dependant on the size of the magnet and the size of the tank. I have the next to largest magnet sold at petsmart.