thoughts on bow front tanks

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #1 06-23-2006, 05:40 PM

I have known or dealt with several local reefers who will no longer get bowfronts because of those leakin issues. From their reports, the leaks start in the front (where the bowing is) & that the leaks were happened in 2 55g, a 72g & the latest one was a 175g bowfront reef in North Van (a bit over a year ago).

My wife really likes the bowfronts, especially the 175g, but we decided not to risk it until it is certain that all these design "flaws" are solved for certain.

Anthony

danny zubot · #2 06-23-2006, 07:25 PM

I loved my 54 corner tank, never had issues with leaking. A bow front is cool because you have added depth for some beach front if you want. The magnifying effect is very cool when trying to view items in that back of the tank.

My goal one day will be to have a 200-300 gallon in-wall bow front. I say go for it!

fortheloveofcrabs · #3 06-23-2006, 07:32 PM

I think it's a matter of taste. My nano is a 16gal bow front. It's kind of a love/hate relationship. I have a pendant so lighting is no issue but viewing and cleaning can be. I'm not sure how it would be on a larger tank but on my 16, magfloats (ect.) are useless. You have to use a blade and go side to side, not up and down. Makes cleaning the glass a bit more cumbersome. It does cause some weird magnification effects. I find I can never really 'see' my tank exactly as is because of this. Over all, I think it's just taste.

reeferaddict · #4 06-23-2006, 07:59 PM

I bought a "leaker" and fixed it... been up for over a year with no problems...

As for viewing... I absolutely love it... the glass seems clearer than either my 90 or 135 and cleaning with a regular magnet or scraper side to side or up and down don't present any problems. (A smaller one I could see with the steeper curve.) Mine sits upon an old but strong desk, and it too is coming up for sale - (check in the Buy/Sell Forum). I would have another one someday - but right now I'm planning one BIG tank...

marie · #5 06-23-2006, 09:35 PM

I bought my 175g bowfront used, no leaks yet (knock on wood). I really like the look, cleaning with a magnet is a bit of a pain I have to go side to side to clean the bow

Canadbis · #6 06-23-2006, 10:05 PM

I got my bowfront used as well. It has been running in my house for almost a year without any problems, easy to clean and nomatter who comes in they all oooo and aahhhh at the bow.
I say get it, and if you dont like it they are real easy to sell

Jason McK · #7 06-23-2006, 11:52 PM

I had a Oceanic 72G Bow. 4 Months in it started leaking from the back-bottom seem, the LFS replaced it and 4 months later the exact same thing happened. My LFS replaced it with a 75G flat front.

I think if your getting it used and it hasn't leaked so far you're prob good

J

Reefer Rob · #8 06-23-2006, 11:49 PM

No leaks on my 72G bow but, they are a pain to reefscape because they are so skinny at the ends. Would be OK for a FOWLR tank though. I'd never buy another bowfront for a reef.

Rob

littlesilvermax · #9 06-24-2006, 12:19 AM

Not good for Aquascsping.

Not good for lighting, or stands, or canopies

Not as easy to clean front glass with magnet or razor blade

A good FO tank that looks cool

A bad reef tank choice.