The first time I filled my 130 gallon I was surprised how much it bowed. :eek: That was over 15 years ago and I have never had a problem with it. I think most tanks bow when filled. Atleast all the one I have owed have.

On the other hand I have also heard that a tank that has sat dry for years may develope leaks.

i hate to bring back an old thread. but after reading this i checked my newly setup 33. i was advised to cut out the center brace. i have discovered that it is bowing a bit. im not sure if a conclusion was decided on. brace or no brace that is the question?? anyone else have a bowing 33 up and running?


edit-tank had been up for about 3 weeks.....no broken glass...yet.

-paul

I cannot stress bracing enough. This spring, my 230G bowed because the center brace and one end brace came apart. The braces displaced some water and then the tank started to split. Wow...can 5/8-inch glass ever bow. I purchased some 5 foot clamps, emptied the tank, cut it apart and the re-siliconed it and the bracing before restocking it. It could have been a total disaster...especially when my wife found oceanfront property in the basement. The bottom line is that you need good silicone and bracing to help reduce costly mistakes down the road.

I have a 33 hospital/quarantine and when I fill it, it bows that much, I've never given it another thought... on another note, my 90 had it's centre brace POP after being set up for 2 1/2 years... :eek: I was there when I heard it... You ALL could have heard my heart beating! I immediately dropped 6 inches of water out of the tank, grabbed some clamps and removed the centre brace, cleaned and prepped it, re-siliconed and clamped it back into place without having to empty the tank and no loss of livestock.... *PHEW* The glass actually bowed a little more than 3/8"... quite a bit for a 4 foot chunk of glass!

thanks for the peace of mind. i was debaitng just buying a new tank.

-paul