Aquarium Bowing

[manny]

I have a 30 gal long tank and have noticed that it is bowing some. I measured it today and it measures 12 3/4" in the middle and 12 1/2" on the sides. Thats a 1/4 " difference for a 36 1/4" long tank. Is this a disaster waiting to happen?

[matt]

Manny, welcome to the bowing club. I think all tanks bow out a little bit; the question is how much is too much. Looking at the 30 long that I've borrowed to hold my livestock while I replace my tank, it's definitely bowing a noticable amount; maybe 1/8" on front and on back. There's your 1/4".

After the brace fell on my 100 gal, it bowed at least 1/2". Aqua trends said "don't worry about it, all tanks bow" and "get the brace replaced soon, but it won't burst without it"
So there you have it.

[DeletedAccount]

And for a 120 that is 4 feet long Oceanic told me that 1/2" is dangerous.

[manny]

oh ok thanks guys. I was just wondering, so would the bowing problem be proportional to the length of the tank or the volume of it? cause if it's the proportionality of bowing to the length of the tank, 3/8" would be dangerous for my tank. Which is only 1/8" more for being considered dangerous by what Misti's said. If its not, and its the amount of gallons in your tank...then everything should be ok. Anybody know the answer?

[matt]

Probably, if the tank is not missing any parts like a brace, and is not leaking, it's working fine. A 120 is a double cube, meaning 4'X2'X2'. The 30 long is not; it's more like a triple cube. So the hydraulic pressure on the tank walls is different. And, probably thinner glass can flex a little more; I don't know. I wouldn't worry too much if your tank was made by a reputable company. Famous last words....

[manny]

It's an All-Glass tank. How reputable are they? I've also had it since I was in like 3rd grade so it's probly about 13 yrs old.

[Andrew]

Manny, my 40 bows about the same.

andrew

[manny]

i was gonna get you to check it out when you came over Andrew but i forgot.

you tried out them powerheads yet?

[fishermiguel]

They work great thanx!!! :D

[Andrew]

yah i gave him one and kept the other.

yes both pumps are haulin booty