Bowed 300 What to do?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
unless-----you build A tight canopy that would go on top tightly(may have to drain some water)and it would solve the problem also I think
 
Had planned on building a canopy anyway so I'm definetly thinking this route. Just don't really want to put a brace down the middle in the front if I don't have to. That's why I'de like to know how bad others' tanks of this size bow.

I've only had 1 acrylic tank previous to this and I can tell you that one bowed a LOT worse than this one does...... But it was only 80 gallons...... Made from I believe 3/16ths and if I remember correctly it was either 18 or 20 inches high. I had that tank full for probobly almost 4 years.
 
If you made a brace that was basically like a clamp squezzing in the middle at the top of your tank that would probally elliminate the need for a brace comming all the way down the middle. and you could cover it with a canopy
 
i've had a clarity plus acrylic 125 in continuous use for 13 years, and it was "well used" when i bought it. it bows about 1" in the front, and has since day 1. never had a leak or crack yet (knock wood). my back is a single clear sheet, not stacked thinner sheets.
at one time there was a huge buttikofferi in that tank who would spaz out and bash the ends relentlesly whenever he saw our ferrets, no problem.
i like the previous ideas of reinforcing using wood or metal to frame out the tank.
also, the idea about cutting the top 6" or so and then using the existing top bracing could work nicely. check with a local acrylic shop to see if they will cut the sides and weld the top back on for you.
maybe try filling it to the very top outside and leaving it setup for a few weeks to see how it holds up. that should definitively answer the question of whether or not it will hold up!
best of luck.
 
i wouldnt trust it as a fish tank. i would make it into a great turtle tank though.. it should be okay with some water, make a big section of it land and throw some water in there.. some plants. or do a frog enclosure.

or even a lizard enclosure would be great. (im thinking geckos)
 
Spent too much money to bail out now.

Like I said, I had a tank that bowed a lot more than this thing does......

Progress is slow but should be done by the end of the week.

Braced the back with wood and not gonna worry about the front......
 
8 euro brace strips on the bottom, 8 euro brace strips on the top, and 1/4"x1/4" stripping in all the other seams.. cover the seams with wood moulding for beauty pieces when finished.. might also think about triangle bracers in the corners..
 
Miles can you be more specific? Not really familiar with "Euro" braces......

Allready have the glue as I had to repair a crack on the top.

Would greatly appreciate it......
 
Im telling you man, go by some slide style wood clamps and pinch that sucker together. Cover with a canopy and call er done.
 
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