125 gallon tank bowing question.

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
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Neogenesis

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 19, 2008
76
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Findlay, Ohio
Hey guys,

I'm in a bit of a pickle here, and I thought this may be the best place to ask as there are a lot of DIY jobs here. It's made of 1/2" glass and is bowing about 3/8" out in the middle. If I remember correctly, the tag on the bottom said it was mfg'ed about 10 years ago.

What I need to know is glass supposed to do this and if so, where is the danger limit at? I really don't want all that water on my floor if you know what I mean. I'm really torn on what to do, leave it up or tear it down and resell it.


Thanks in advance guys,

Scott
 
You could always drain it and put a center brace on it. I'd also put braces on the sides as you can then insert lids in between. I do that with all my tanks and have no bowing problems. Your tank may be okay for a while but you risk a crack or seam letting go.
 
YA DOES IT HAVE A CENTER BRACE, REALLY NEEDS IT. AND ID TEARIT DOWN BEFORE IT BLOWS
 
MONSTERUP;3541616; said:
YA DOES IT HAVE A CENTER BRACE, REALLY NEEDS IT. AND ID TEARIT DOWN BEFORE IT BLOWS
Click to expand...


Ok.....I'm sorry, I mis measured a bit, I hate doing things when I'm tired, I make mistakes like this. The tank is bowing 3/16ths, not 3/8ths. But as you can see in the pics, this older tank was designed without a center brace and the frame is not a single piece. I've also snapped the pics so everyone can see. So, given that information, thoughts?

Scott

DSC_1917.jpg

DSC_1918.jpg

DSC_1919.jpg
 
mrkrinkle;3543833; said:
I have the same tank and have had it up and running for years with no problems.
Click to expand...


Just curious, does you bow when filled? But that is reassuring to hear.

I admittedly cross posted this on multiple threads to get this exposed to as many experienced fish keepers as possible. I did end up coming to the conclusion that it is fine, but may add a center brace just for that extra safety factor.


Thanks,

Scott
 
you can use medal or wood i would suggest making one from medal and just get a piece thats like and inch wide or so run it the depth of the top and have ninety degree angles going down on the outside of the existing brace to help save this tank do it whil it is drained as not to brace a bow
 
it should be fine. its likely just an older tank. its only since the late 90's that tanks with braces (and thinner glass) started becoming popular.

my 90g was braceless (used 1/2" glass) and lasted for 16 years before I sold it. it did have a slight bow, although I never measured it.

the braces started being used to eliminate the glass bowing that occured.

however, when they did this, everyone used thinner glass...

I wish they used the same thick glass AND braced them..

if your tank has thick glass, it should last for years and years and...

as long as the silicone itself is still good to go.
 
The silicone looks great, if not a bit heavy when compared to any of my other tanks. I'm not worried about the seams one bit. Thanks everyone for the input, I will definitely sleep better tonight. I dang near got up in the middle of the night and started pumping water out of it last night.

Scott
 
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