Seeing a bend/ warp in acrylic tank. How long are acrylic tanks supposed to last?

[Jon Wang]

I didn't know where to put this type of question of post so I just put it here. So after using my tank for over 20 years. I can see that the bottom of my tank is starting to bend outward or more into the aquarium stand. No leaks. No cracks. My question is should I be concerned about it? Should I replaced my acrylic tank or should I try and add some sort of support underneath inside the aquarium stand?

How do I know this? I put some acrylic risers in the aquarium and laying them side-ways against the wall, the bottom is aligned and touches the wall but the top is aligned and does not touch the wall.

 

[Red Cichlids]

What size tank is it? Does your stand have an open middle part where you can see the tank from underneath? Can you put some wood under the tank to give it additional support?

Overall, I wouldn't worry about it. I have an acrylic tank here that I think was made in the 1960's, and it is doing fine. The front, back and sides do have some bow to them, but that is normal for acrylic.

 

[Jon Wang]

Tank is 48" x 15" x 18" or 55/60 gallon. Yes the stand has a open center or middle. That's what I was wondering if I should put wood support underneath in the center. But if your asking, yeah I should be able to just never done any wood or acrylic work. Oh I forgot to say my setup is not an overflow-sump it's a canister.

 

[deeda]

Acrylic tanks are supposed to be fully supported on the bottom, usually on top of a plywood sheet on top of the stand.

I don't have an answer for you so wait for someone with more acrylic tank recommendations.

 

[Oscar Mike]

Drain the tank and put a sheet of plywood on top of the stand like Deeda suggested. If the bottom panel is still bowed while empty you can add a 1/2" styrofoam sheet above the plywood to level out imperfections and distribute the weight evenly.

 

[Jon Wang]

Hm didn't know that. My tank does not have a sheet of plywood under it before the stand. Probably my parents never knew you were supposed to do it that way. When we go the tank which is a long time ago, I was 10 years old so I knew crap about fish tanks. Thanks for suggestions!!

 

[kno4te]

Lepisosteus

 

[Lepisosteus]

Seems this one is covered