29 (us) Gallon Tank Is Bowing Slightly

[bluetrane2028]

The title says it all. I noticed that the front panel glass on my 29g is bowed out slightly, only a millimeter or two, but it is bowing out. Is that normal?!? What if anything should I do? It's not currently leaking, is less than a year old, well looked after, etc.

 

[Helen G]

Does the tank have any braces at the top? what are the dimensions (sp?) of the tank? You may find that either there is no braces or the braces on are inadequate and the weight of the water is causing the glass to bow.

Helen

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[bluetrane2028]

The dimensions are 30 x 12 x 18 (in inches). There is no brace down the middle.

 

[Helen G]

It may be worthwhile putting a brace in the middle.

Helen

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[Cory_Dad]

It may be worthwhile putting a brace in the middle.

Helen

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Agreed but I would do it on a drained or mostly drained tank, just to be safe.

 

[jgray152]

Its normal. Don't worry to much. You can put a brace if you would like but its not needed. All glass does flex, if it didn't we would be in lots of trouble.

 

[simonas]

I had a 4ft that did this but it increased in its bow so to speak and seperated from the braces at the top. It was an old tank so I just got rid in the end

 

[Helen G]

It may be worthwhile putting a brace in the middle.

Helen

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Agreed but I would do it on a drained or mostly drained tank, just to be safe.

Yes you will also have to make sure there is no water present where you use the silicone sealer, and need to let it dry for at least 24 hrs. Moisture will prevent the silicone from sealing properly. This isn't much of a problem coz you are only using it for a brace, but you wouldn't want the seal to fail and end up with the tank bowing again.

This is a relatively easy job, your local glazer will be able to cut you some glass to size from offcuts, just make sure they grind the edges for you as you will slit your wrists everytime you put your hands in the tank

Helen

 

[TheConstantGrower]

It may be worthwhile putting a brace in the middle.

Helen

--------------------------------

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Agreed but I would do it on a drained or mostly drained tank, just to be safe.

Yes you will also have to make sure there is no water present where you use the silicone sealer, and need to let it dry for at least 24 hrs. Moisture will prevent the silicone from sealing properly. This isn't much of a problem coz you are only using it for a brace, but you wouldn't want the seal to fail and end up with the tank bowing again.

This is a relatively easy job, your local glazer will be able to cut you some glass to size from offcuts, just make sure they grind the edges for you as you will slit your wrists everytime you put your hands in the tank

Helen

I understand you giggle about that, but that is a TERRIFYING thought, reaching in and WOOSH... How am i supposed to sleep now...

To be completely honest i watched this happen to one my fathers tanks as a child, the front one day just gave way cause of the bowing.. and it was a fully braced tank around all edges. As crappy as it may seem, your better off getting a new one, and if you have a wife / girlfriend this is the PERFECT excuse for an upgrade.

You can use that horrific thought of wrist slashing and thousands of dollars in water repair / funeral bills to sturdy your case....::shudder::