72-75 Bowfront or?

[awfireman]

Hello,

I am looking for a 72-75 gallon bowfront. I like the look. Was wondering if anyone had experiences with them leaking vs. rectangular tanks? Also, they are hard to find. I did find a used Aqueon 72 bowfront with pine stand for $300. Kind of hesitant buying used but might pull the trigger? Thoughts?
Thanks for any help and opinions you can give!

 

[Bruce Leyland-Jones]

I acquired a large bowfront tank, for use laters.

Some said that bowfronts are to be avoided.
Apparently, they break and burst...cobblers...no more or less than normal tanks. In fact, they have less seams to break.
Apparently, being acrylic, instead of glass, they're easier to scratch...so don't scratch it and take care.
Apparently, it's harder to take photos of your fish, because the bow front distorts...And?

I suspect that when they first appeared,, they were overly expensive and then became a fad.
As is true with most fads, they fell out of favour.
C'est la vie.

If you get one, make sure it has a lid. Unlike common-or-garden rectangular tanks, lids are harder to find.

 

[Circus]

If you are buying used, double check to make sure the seals are good and the frame is in good condition, you don't want the silicone to be hard or peeling and make sure there is absolutely no warping on the frame. Bowfront tanks tend to spring leaks a bit more often and have a tendency to fail more often than standard tanks. A few months ago there was a thread on someone's bowfront shattering, I think. They look so cool though, and you can get more space in a given area than a standard. There are going to be pros and cons.

 

[awfireman]

If you are buying used, double check to make sure the seals are good and the frame is in good condition, you don't want the silicone to be hard or peeling and make sure there is absolutely no warping on the frame. Bowfront tanks tend to spring leaks a bit more often and have a tendency to fail more often than standard tanks. A few months ago there was a thread on someone's bowfront shattering, I think. They look so cool though, and you can get more space in a given area than a standard. There are going to be pros and cons.

Thanks so much for you opinion. I think I am going to go with a standard 75 gallon....but the all glass are hard to find in Massachusetts. Will a FX 4 but a good filter for this? I am split between a Fluval FX4 or a Oase BioMaster 600 Thermo. I have owned many Fluvals and they all have been solid and dependable. Any thoughts on the Oase 600 with built in heater? Is a 300 watt heater enough for a 75 gallon tank?
Thanks for anymore advice.

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[itiwhetu]

Thanks so much for you opinion. I think I am going to go with a standard 75 gallon....but the all glass are hard to find in Massachusetts. Will a FX 4 but a good filter for this? I am split between a Fluval FX4 or a Oase BioMaster 600 Thermo. I have owned many Fluvals and they all have been solid and dependable. Any thoughts on the Oase 600 with built in heater? Is a 300 watt heater enough for a 75 gallon tank?
Thanks for anymore advice.

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Build your own tank. It isn't that hard and is a good skill to have when keeping fish.