View Full Version : Help! 29g Long sides bending out. Bad?!
scheckler
10-08-2009, 11:54 PM
Hey guys. First post. I bought a 29g long tank off of craigslist the other day. It had apparently held fish perfectly fine in the past. I cleaned it up, built a stand and filled her up!
Anyways, I noticed that the sides are bending out quite a bit. the glass is roughly 1/4" think and the bending is maaaybe slightly less than that. There is very noticeable distortion while viewing the tank from the front.
No bubbles in silicone but I did notice that at certain points in the glass joints, it is not perfectly see-through like in other spots. No leaks and the tank has been full for a little over two weeks.
Should I be concerned? If so, how much? I'd get rid of the tank before living a nervous life with it haha. And no, this is not a bowfront tank lol!
Thanks SO much.
-Scott
thrak76
10-09-2009, 1:32 AM
Uhm, i'd be very concerned. I don't think tanks are supposed to flex. A leak is imminent.
FindingBlemo
10-09-2009, 1:49 AM
It could crack anytime now. I'd dump it. NOW.
Blown 346
10-09-2009, 2:10 AM
It sounds like maybe the silicone holding the tank at the base is coming apart which is causing the glass to bow. I agree. I wouldnt use it.
bushwhacker
10-09-2009, 1:15 PM
a little flexing on the top is fairly normal, if it worrys you measure the side glass go to the glass shop and have them cut you a piece of 1/4 inch glass and silicone it across the middle for a brace
The silicone holding the glass together has nothing to do with whether it bows out. My 29 bows slightly as well, it is about 5 years old.
I don't see any distortion in mine, it sounds like yours bows a lot worse. I would replace it just due to paranoia of it exploding.
angyles
10-09-2009, 3:37 PM
I've never had tank glas visibliy bow. I wouldn't trust it at ALL. you should be able to resell is on CL for a reptile only tank, and get another one for a reasonably good price. 29s aren't that expensive.
trigiver01
10-09-2009, 4:11 PM
If the glass wasn't formed into a bow, it isn't structurally sound when it is. As it bows, the exterior glass is stretched and the interior glass is compressed - that's a lot of stress on a rigid crystal. If it gets too stressed, the slightest bump could shatter it. It's interesting that the sides are bowing, and not the long front/back. But it shouldn't be trusted - I wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing that. Best of luck!
scheckler
10-09-2009, 5:23 PM
Thanks for all the help guys. I should clarify, it is the front and back that are bowing. Sadly, today, I drained it and have began my search for a new 29g... you live and you learn.
Again, Thanks!
feel free to keep em comin if you'd like to. maybe there's another guy out there like me.
I've never had tank glas visibliy bow. I wouldn't trust it at ALL. you should be able to resell is on CL for a reptile only tank, and get another one for a reasonably good price. 29s aren't that expensive.
:iagree:
Sounds like someone sold you a "Reptile" tank as a fish tank. I'd drain it ASAP it wasn't made to hold water.