72 gal bow front?

the_hadleys

the_hadleys

Member
We also posted this in the FO forum.

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We just got back our 72 gallon bow front tank. I have heard mixed things on these... (not being as strong as a rectangle) What are your opinions and suggestions? We are thinking of turning it into a FOWLR. It was a freshwater previously.
Being fresh water what would we need to buy/change to make it into a FOWLR tank?
Thanks in advance
 
sickboy

sickboy

Active Member
Bowfronts are fine for salt, and very cool.
You would probably need a new powerfilter (or have it drilled, that would be even better), a skimmer, some powerheads, live rock, live sand, and salt.
 
sickboy

sickboy

Active Member
If you have troubles getting some of the residue off you can use white vinegar. Just make sure you clean it off w/ water afterward.
Good Luck!
 
sdusky

sdusky

Member
I have had my 72 gal bow front for 3 yrs and my parents had it 8 before giving it to me. Never had a problem. Tank looks great , and is holding more LR than ever before.
 
naclh2o nut

naclh2o nut

Member
currently have a 90 gal bow, same tank just taller. Eveyone that sees it loves it. It seems to be as strong as a square.
Good luck and keep us posted. If you go with M/H lights I ahve done the research for you. The short sides of the tank limit what you can use. And flow is fun with the bow in front. Water seems to do wierd things in that curve.
 
socal57che

socal57che

Active Member
72 bow here.
Issues...
Pros:
Visually pleasing. I love the look.
Footprint. We went bowfront because it sits in a high traffic area and the corners don't stick out as far as on a rectangle 75g.
Cons:
Limited stand availability.
Turning the Mag Float sideways takes some getting used to (it works better if turned vertical)
Blade type scrapers. Ugh...the front glass needs to be scraped in a horizontal fashion requiring you to immerse your entire arm to reach down low.
Sometimes the curved front glass distorts the view. This is most visible during photo sessions.
Curved front glass prohibits the hanging of specimen containers on the front of the tank while you work.
Limited side access for hanging specimen containers.
 
gooch

gooch

Member
I have a 72gal bow as well.
The stand is tapered on the sides so the size of the sump you can have in there is pretty much limited. The largest thing I could fit in there is a 29gal.
I don't have too much experience with other size tanks but I am still trying to find a good way to aim my powerheads to get good flow but not kick up bald spots in the sand...
 
socal57che

socal57che

Active Member
Originally Posted by Gooch
http:///forum/post/2985507
I have a 72gal bow as well.
The stand is tapered on the sides so the size of the sump you can have in there is pretty much limited. The largest thing I could fit in there is a 29gal.
Good point. I thought there was something else.
 
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