Bow fronted tanks?

[KarlosFandango]

Now that I've ordered a better filter system I've hit the slippery slope again and am thinking of getting a bigger tank

I like the look of the curved fronted tanks but I'm not too sure what they look like in a home environment. When I see them in the shops they look great but does the fact that the front curves cause the viewing quality to be reduced? Do you get bad reflections or distortion when watching?

Cheers

Karl

 

[Joviella]

The bow fronts tend to magnify the fish.......making them look bigger than they actually are. I like the bow fronts too. I have a trigon(corner unit) and its one of my favourite tanks.

 

[lizard]

I had a five-gallon bow-front and didn't like it. Distored the view/made things look bigger. I didn't care for that. Of course, perhaps it would give a somewhat different effect on a larger tank, but I don't know <dunno> I don't recall ever seeing a large bow-front stocked with fish and such. Some people seem to really like their bowfronts, though. I much prefer my flat-fronted tanks, but if you like the way the bowfronts look, then by all means get one (provided you have the funds, of course ).

It's a matter of opinion, and that's mine

Pamela
aka Married Lizard

 

[Elisabeth83]

I have a bow fronted tank...and I think it's better than the square fronted ones. I think it's a lot easier to see the fish and overall the appearance is a lot nicer.

I don't know what brand of tank your thinking of getting but the one I have doesn't magnify the fish at all. The bow on my tank isn't dramatic it's a soft subtle bow.

KarlosFandango: What is your email address? I can send you a picture of my aquarium all set up if you want?

 

[Tropjunky]

i find that the flat tank are better. i've had a small plastic curved tank and it was nasty. i think that if u do get a bow front and the front gets craced then ur buggerd but on the flat ones u gust get some new glass (it's cheeper for flat).

 

[David]

I have a 46 gallon bowfront and I love it. I find it's much more interactive, as the more curious fish venture out into the "bow" to check you out and explore their outside surroundings, giving you an opportunity to watch them. I love my bowfront tank, I think that it has much more aesthetic appeal than a flat-front tank.

 

[Elisabeth83]

I couldn't agree more David!!! I love my bow front as well....much more attractive in my opinion.

 

[subopposite]

While I like the look of my 46 gallon bowed tank, it does distort the view of the fish. If you ever get algae problems and have to scrape, the bowed front is not as easy or quick to clean on the bowed part. They are decently cool looking tanks, but I would rather be able to see the fish through flat glass. While the bowed tanks are deeper in width, they are shorter as well and would think territorial fish would like a 4 foot 55 over a 46 bowed as it is a foot shorter, but around 3.5" deeper in width on the average. Plus, they are more expensive. It all depends on what you like. Probably can't go wrong either way.

 

[David]

While I like the look of my 46 gallon bowed tank, it does distort the view of the fish. If you ever get algae problems and have to scrape, the bowed front is not as easy or quick to clean on the bowed part. They are decently cool looking tanks, but I would rather be able to see the fish through flat glass. While the bowed tanks are deeper in width, they are shorter as well and would think territorial fish would like a 4 foot 55 over a 46 bowed as it is a foot shorter, but around 3.5" deeper in width on the average. Plus, they are more expensive. It all depends on what you like. Probably can't go wrong either way.

True, bowfronts are perfect for your peaceful south-american community tank, but if you want aggressive fish like cichlids I suggest a flat-fronted tank. Oh and subopposite why not get a plec or other sucker for that algae problem? Oh and have you guys seen the tank that is both convex and concav because it's too long to make a bowfront (it curves in and out). I think it looks absolutely stunning; they have a heavily planted one at my LFS full of rummy-noses, Bosemani rainbows, cardinals, neons, and Endler's.

 

[Elisabeth83]

I think the bow fronts I'm talking about and the bow fronts you guys are talking about must be compleatly different. My bow front is just slightly curved. I don't have a hard time cleaning the bow part of the glass at all...even can use one of those magnet type cleaners on mine.

I'd love to see a pic of the type of bow fronted tanks you guys are talking about.

They must be pretty curved if they magnify the fish...

Anyways if any of you have a picture or link of the tank could you post it?

 

[David]

Mine is pretty curved. If you look at it from the side you can see the front extend outwards about 2-3 inches from the main tank.

 

[Elisabeth83]

I found this tank on a website...this tank is similar to what I have.

Just a slight curve in the glass

http/www.theaquariumshop.co.uk/ishop/1029/shopscr58.html

Is this what your talking about?

 

[David]

Mine is about that size, although may be slightly more curved than that.

 

[Elisabeth83]

Does yours magnify your fish?

Mine doesn't at all....I'd really like to see the ones that do..cause now I am really curious..hmmm

 

[parker313]

I also have the 46g bowfront and love it I don't have any problems with fish distortion or with cleaning the algae. It does tend to reflect a little more, but it's not a problem. I think the bowfront is a nice decorative touch Mine's not as nice as the one at my lfs but that's only b/c my aquascaping skills aren't the best

Here are a few pics of mine...

I'm very happy with it. I kinda want a different tank, but that's just b/c I want a bigger one, not that I'm unhappy with the bowfront