Is this tank normal?

SueQ · 02/17/2006, 12:20 AM

Hi all! I've been lurking here a while, reading all the valuable tips and such posted and it has certainly helped out a bit!

Here's my question.... I've got this 20gal perfecto tank (free tank, age unknown) that has passed every leak test I can think of. Got it up and running a couple weeks ago w/ live sand and live rock and just added some more LR tonight. I noticed tonight that there is a slight bow in the middle of the tank. Is this "normal" or something I should worry about??

Thanks in advance

todd2000 · 02/17/2006, 01:30 AM

I would worry if I were you. 20G tanks are cheap I would just grab another one and transfer everything. Or well your at it upgrade

Bigger is better after all.

Scuba Oz · 02/17/2006, 05:39 AM

No its not normal. Time for a new tank or a center brace, and I would not waste my time for a 20g tank

Andrew · 02/17/2006, 06:00 AM

To Reef Central

The tanks bowing? You mean the glass on the bottom? Thats strange. Are you sure it was an aqurium tank and not a reptile tank?

SueQ · 02/17/2006, 07:12 AM

Thanks all! Yes, I know 20Gal aren't worth the hassle mosto f the time. This tank is just a stepping stone meant to get some things started before moving up to a 55-75 gal tank later this year. It was free, I had enough components to make the setup work for now and I was dying to get something started.

Andrew-The bow is on the front and back tank walls (~1/8" @ center), not the bottom.

jasno999 · 02/17/2006, 07:14 AM

Take a picture and post it so we can see what is goign on.

whiirly · 02/17/2006, 07:17 AM

But another 20 there inexpensive

Cutiewitbooty · 02/17/2006, 08:52 AM

yeah i woudln't risk it, i might be ok, but why take the chance? Just buy a new one they are cheap.

oyam123 · 02/17/2006, 08:56 AM

Its a DIY Bowfront!

just get the bigger tank now!

BurntOutReefer · 02/17/2006, 10:33 AM

glass tank bowing...???wow...must be very cheap glass.......never seen that before

SueQ · 02/17/2006, 09:15 PM

Update. Stopped by the LFS and talked to them about. Apparently Perfecto brand tanks don't hold up to years of use as well as others.... There were no 20gal tall tanks of any brand to be found in the area, so I wound up getting a used 29 gal AG plus stand from the manager at a good price!! Bad thing is that I'm going to have to sell my DIY stand

I kinda got attached to it, but there' s no sense (or room) keeping it since I'm only going up in tank size from here

Again, thanks to all who responded!!
Suzi

Mr James · 02/27/2006, 07:40 AM

Nobody questioned the stand. You say your stand was a DIY. Could that have been the problem, little or no support under the area of concern??

02/17/2006, 12:20 AM	#1
SueQ Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Anderson, SC Posts: 678	Is this tank normal? Hi all! I've been lurking here a while, reading all the valuable tips and such posted and it has certainly helped out a bit! Here's my question.... I've got this 20gal perfecto tank (free tank, age unknown) that has passed every leak test I can think of. Got it up and running a couple weeks ago w/ live sand and live rock and just added some more LR tonight. I noticed tonight that there is a slight bow in the middle of the tank. Is this "normal" or something I should worry about?? Thanks in advance

02/17/2006, 05:39 AM	#3
Scuba Oz Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 3,133	No its not normal. Time for a new tank or a center brace, and I would not waste my time for a 20g tank __________________ Never be too shy to ask for help Current Tank Info: 12g nano, 37g,175g,25g,54g

02/17/2006, 07:17 AM	#7
whiirly Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Orland Park ILL Posts: 3,177	But another 20 there inexpensive __________________ Whiirly A.K.A The One and ONLY:)> Current Tank Info: 180 might as well be a FOWLR

02/17/2006, 08:52 AM	#8
Cutiewitbooty Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Alaska For 18 Years, Now Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 2,795	yeah i woudln't risk it, i might be ok, but why take the chance? Just buy a new one they are cheap. __________________ WARNING: Taking my advice may result in personal injury and/or jail time. ~Amber~

02/17/2006, 01:30 AM	#2
todd2000 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: VA Posts: 706	I would worry if I were you. 20G tanks are cheap I would just grab another one and transfer everything. Or well your at it upgrade Bigger is better after all.

02/17/2006, 06:00 AM	#4
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	*To Reef Central* The tanks bowing? You mean the glass on the bottom? Thats strange. Are you sure it was an aqurium tank and not a reptile tank?

02/17/2006, 07:12 AM	#5
SueQ Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Anderson, SC Posts: 678	Thanks all! Yes, I know 20Gal aren't worth the hassle mosto f the time. This tank is just a stepping stone meant to get some things started before moving up to a 55-75 gal tank later this year. It was free, I had enough components to make the setup work for now and I was dying to get something started. Andrew-The bow is on the front and back tank walls (~1/8" @ center), not the bottom.

02/17/2006, 07:14 AM	#6
jasno999 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: King of Prussia, PA Posts: 121	Take a picture and post it so we can see what is goign on.

02/17/2006, 08:56 AM	#9
oyam123 Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: minnesota Posts: 82	Its a DIY Bowfront! just get the bigger tank now!

02/17/2006, 10:33 AM	#10
BurntOutReefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Granada Hills Posts: 4,376	glass tank bowing...???wow...must be very cheap glass.......never seen that before

02/17/2006, 09:15 PM	#11
SueQ Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Anderson, SC Posts: 678	Update. Stopped by the LFS and talked to them about. Apparently Perfecto brand tanks don't hold up to years of use as well as others.... There were no 20gal tall tanks of any brand to be found in the area, so I wound up getting a used 29 gal AG plus stand from the manager at a good price!! Bad thing is that I'm going to have to sell my DIY stand I kinda got attached to it, but there' s no sense (or room) keeping it since I'm only going up in tank size from here Again, thanks to all who responded!! Suzi

02/27/2006, 07:40 AM	#12
Mr James Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kernersville, NC Posts: 6,192	Nobody questioned the stand. You say your stand was a DIY. Could that have been the problem, little or no support under the area of concern??