72bow vs stardard 72

bmullikin1 · 05/01/2007, 03:41 AM

pros and cons besides cost and astectic value are there any problems w failure of bow fronts, any other issues, converting my current 75 non drilled to drilled tank and updating filtration to filter sock , what would min flow rate for return pump be for sump has a 5' distance to top of tank looking at all glass drilled tanks w mega over flow kits.

bmullikin1 · 05/01/2007, 03:42 AM

oops 72bow vs 75 standard

Village Idiot · 05/01/2007, 06:30 AM

I wanted a bowfront tank at first myself. But when I started to plan the aqauscape, the small sides of a bowfront tank were too limiting for me, so I went with a traditional rectangular tank. Only the 155 bow's have enough room on the sides for my liking.

I'm not aware of any issues as far as failures, etc of bowfronts. I would imagine it would be a bit more of a challenge to find lighting that would fit easily over a bowfront tank.

It really comes down to personal preference.

I'mRisenAquaRat · 05/01/2007, 07:11 AM

Standard 48 inch lighting fits on a 72 bow front.

cdangel0 · 05/01/2007, 09:10 AM

Bowfronts used to have issues with leaking - from what I've read anyway. I have one that has had water in it for at least 5-6 years with no known issues.

Lighting can be an issue - I have a 92g that only fits a 36" fixture - and unless you're using strong lighting will leave the back of the tank dark. When I used PCs I used to have to run a 36" in the front and a 24" int he back to get nice coverage of light front to back.

Pictures - I think most of us like to take pictures of the stuff in our tank - bow fronts make this incredibly difficult as the curved glass screws up the cameras ability to focus.

However, a bow front does offer alot of room for some very creative aquascaping.

LarryW · 05/01/2007, 10:32 AM

I had a 72g bow about 4 years ago, and it was ok, and I like the look, but with 12" on the sides and 18" in the center, it doesn't really allow for alot of aquascaping. I had to build my own canopy to house MH retro fit kits, as the only hoods were acrylic, and short. here are a few pics.

NanoGurl · 05/01/2007, 10:35 AM

I've had both the bow and the 75 rectangle. 48" lights will fit across the 72, but depending on the width of the fixture, will overhang the tank and doesn't look great. Canopy is a hard design too if you ever want to go that route.

I've been told that you want 3 to 5 times flow rate for the return. I have a mag 9.5 that I ran on 72 bow and way too much. I just ordered Mag 5 and I am hoping it works much better on my current 75.

I really loved the look of the 72 when I had it, but I would never go back to a bow after having one for awhile. I also did not like the 13" sides especially with a MegaFlow stuck in there. Very difficult to aquascape it the way I like.

05/01/2007, 03:41 AM	#1
bmullikin1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: seminole florida Posts: 1,797	72bow vs stardard 72 pros and cons besides cost and astectic value are there any problems w failure of bow fronts, any other issues, converting my current 75 non drilled to drilled tank and updating filtration to filter sock , what would min flow rate for return pump be for sump has a 5' distance to top of tank looking at all glass drilled tanks w mega over flow kits.

05/01/2007, 07:11 AM	#4
I'mRisenAquaRat Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Palm Harbor, Fl Posts: 238	Standard 48 inch lighting fits on a 72 bow front. __________________ - Ray “I’m Risen AquaRat” is an anagram for “Marine Aquarist”, kinda cool huh? Current Tank Info: 72 reef, white fine sugar sand, T5s: 216 watts total, ASM-1

05/01/2007, 03:42 AM	#2
bmullikin1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: seminole florida Posts: 1,797	oops 72bow vs 75 standard

05/01/2007, 06:30 AM	#3
Village Idiot Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Annapolis, MD Posts: 214	I wanted a bowfront tank at first myself. But when I started to plan the aqauscape, the small sides of a bowfront tank were too limiting for me, so I went with a traditional rectangular tank. Only the 155 bow's have enough room on the sides for my liking. I'm not aware of any issues as far as failures, etc of bowfronts. I would imagine it would be a bit more of a challenge to find lighting that would fit easily over a bowfront tank. It really comes down to personal preference.

05/01/2007, 09:10 AM	#5
cdangel0 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Delaware Posts: 905	Bowfronts used to have issues with leaking - from what I've read anyway. I have one that has had water in it for at least 5-6 years with no known issues. Lighting can be an issue - I have a 92g that only fits a 36" fixture - and unless you're using strong lighting will leave the back of the tank dark. When I used PCs I used to have to run a 36" in the front and a 24" int he back to get nice coverage of light front to back. Pictures - I think most of us like to take pictures of the stuff in our tank - bow fronts make this incredibly difficult as the curved glass screws up the cameras ability to focus. However, a bow front does offer alot of room for some very creative aquascaping.

05/01/2007, 10:32 AM	#6
LarryW Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 1,778	I had a 72g bow about 4 years ago, and it was ok, and I like the look, but with 12" on the sides and 18" in the center, it doesn't really allow for alot of aquascaping. I had to build my own canopy to house MH retro fit kits, as the only hoods were acrylic, and short. here are a few pics.

05/01/2007, 10:35 AM	#7
NanoGurl Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Earth Posts: 4,306	I've had both the bow and the 75 rectangle. 48" lights will fit across the 72, but depending on the width of the fixture, will overhang the tank and doesn't look great. Canopy is a hard design too if you ever want to go that route. I've been told that you want 3 to 5 times flow rate for the return. I have a mag 9.5 that I ran on 72 bow and way too much. I just ordered Mag 5 and I am hoping it works much better on my current 75. I really loved the look of the 72 when I had it, but I would never go back to a bow after having one for awhile. I also did not like the 13" sides especially with a MegaFlow stuck in there. Very difficult to aquascape it the way I like.