RickJ Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 I have a 30 gal tank that has been up for about 10 months. I just noticed that it is bowing out about 3/8" in the middle. I've inspected the tank and all the seams seem fine. I assume that is a problem, but don't know. I change about 1/3 of the water today and the bowing did go down to about 1/4" when the water was lower. Should I be concerned? What about adding a centre brace? Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Ram Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 For that size of a tank and the replacement cost, I would replace it. Is the tank still under warranty? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishkabod Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 all my tanks bow out a little even my 20 gal simply because of the weight of the water. If you could give me a measurement in cm or mm not inches i could tell you if it's normal or not. Although it does really sound normal. My 30 gal bows 1cm and my thick glassed 40 gallon does the same. New larger tanks include a brace in the middle which prevents the tank from bowing as much and i suspect it allows them to get away with a thinner sheet of glass. I've yet to see a brace on a tank smaller than 45 gallons. I wouldn't worry at all unless it really is bowing 2cm or more. If that happens get a piece of glass cut to the smallest width and then silicone it in. Judgeing by the creme coloured trim and the algae silicone this tank is very old. My fairly new 20 gal bows as well so old or new both will bow. Have a great weekend. L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parachromis1 Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 3/8's on a little tank can seem excessive. Is there a centre brace? Bowing has nothing to do with the seams, just with the thickness of glass, and if there is eurobracing/cleating or trim w/ a brace. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me, I work with tanks on a daily basis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roninkenshin Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 (edited) all my tanks bow out a little even my 20 gal simply because of the weight of the water. If you could give me a measurement in cm or mm not inches i could tell you if it's normal or not. Although it does really sound normal. My 30 gal bows 1cm and my thick glassed 40 gallon does the same. New larger tanks include a brace in the middle which prevents the tank from bowing as much and i suspect it allows them to get away with a thinner sheet of glass. I've yet to see a brace on a tank smaller than 45 gallons.I wouldn't worry at all unless it really is bowing 2cm or more. If that happens get a piece of glass cut to the smallest width and then silicone it in. Judgeing by the creme coloured trim and the algae silicone this tank is very old. My fairly new 20 gal bows as well so old or new both will bow. Have a great weekend. L 3/8" is roughly 9 mm, going by what you said on 2 cm or less it should be within tolerance. Edited August 2, 2009 by roninkenshin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickJ Posted August 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 Here is the exact details, Tank is 36" (91.4cm) x 12 1/4" (31.1cm). Glass is 1/4' (5mm) Thick It has plastic trim but no centre brace. In the middle of the long side the tank is bowing just under 3/8" or 8mm. I did read somewhere that glass could bow 2x the thickness, so I'm within that tolerance. It is just concerning as I never noticed it before, I think It might have had something to do with how I put the cover on when I changed the water that I noticed it.... Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digital-monk Posted August 31, 2009 Report Share Posted August 31, 2009 my 33 gallon (Hagen) bows in the middle...been running for almost two years, and had it several years ago for about four years. If I had to guess I'd say it's around 7-8 mm. It's definately noticeable from the side of the tank, or if you look at the top, it doesn't line up with the canopy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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