Freaking out a bit my tank is warping!

[shwstpr88]

So today when installing some things I notice that my middle glass section is smaller than the section by a 1/4in from the front to the back of the tank. So I was looking at the two cross "beams" and they look they are starting to warp or expand. Does this happen?? I know my lights are kinda close to the tank maybe they are causing the problem with heat?? They are four 96W CF lights and are on 10 hours per day.The tank was new in January not sure if i should be concerned or not? I took some pictures:

Please let me know what you guys think Id like to fix a problem before it is a problem.
Thanks!!!

 

[mkroher]

Wow.. that would keep me up at night.
I would take action. Tagging along to see other responses.

 

[the_bandit]

The only thing that could be doing that is heat. It doesn't look like you are keeping any weight on the glass lids besides the lighting fixture. I would deffinetly try and mount the lights higher. This will stop the warping and reduce the heat of your aquarium
Just my 0.02
Goodluck, I hope it helps.

 

[shwstpr88]

Ya its just that dead center spot where it come out just a bit definatly don thtink the glass is bowing just that frame a bit. Anyone know where I can get replacement legs for the lights? I just emailed the guy I bought em on ---- but just in case he cant provide them.

 

[shwstpr88]

OK so I have ordered new legs for my tank my only question is now, in the current situation do you think I have anything to worry about? I have heard of people having their tank bow over an inch so with mine not even being a 1/4in and both braces still intact, I will have the lights moved up a couple inches which should dissapate the heat.
I just want to know if I need any further action or can I start enjoying my tank again? lol
I was also thinking if it would help I could JB wel an addition piece of acrylic underneath each brace for more strength? If someone who knows can chime in I really woudl appreciate it!
Thanks!!

 

[tank a holic]

have you measured the tank to verify how far it is out?? measure each end, then the middle to see how much it is bowed
looks to me, from the angle that the hinge on the middle door is also 1/4" behing the other 2, therefore it may just be pushed back
the 3rd pic however seems to show an obvious significant bow
I'm just curious to see if it is either not as bad, or worse than you think
hopefully its an optical illusion but unlikely

 

[d-man]

is it a glass tank?

 

[scsinet]

Originally Posted by tank a holic
http:///forum/post/3127072
have you measured the tank to verify how far it is out?? measure each end, then the middle to see how much it is bowed
+1
I'm not sure from the pictures whether you are dealing with a bow or if the glass covers are just out of place.
Some bow is to be expected, but imo not as much as the pics seem to illustrate. Measuring as described would tell the tale.

 

[shwstpr88]

Good point I will measure when I get home today and let you all know.

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by SCSInet
http:///forum/post/3127098
+1
I'm not sure from the pictures whether you are dealing with a bow or if the glass covers are just out of place.
Some bow is to be expected, but imo not as much as the pics seem to illustrate. Measuring as described would tell the tale.

Just chiming in...If it is bowed even a tiny bit isn't the integrity of the tank compromised? I noticed you said to be expected...???? I have never had any tank bow...not in 34 years and all sizes of fish tanks. 4 of which are saltwater tank years. I would worry about any bowing at all..So I am wondering about your saying it is to be expected.

 

[shwstpr88]

Ok so i measured it is what I thought .25in off in the center from the sides 18.5in on the ends and 18.75 in the center. I also took a 4ft level and it also confirms the bow which does not occur until you get half up from the bottom of the tank. Is this going to be ok as is or do you guys think there is a problem here??

 

[scsinet]

Originally Posted by Flower
http:///forum/post/3127159

Just chiming in...If it is bowed even a tiny bit isn't the integrity of the tank compromised? I noticed you said to be expected...???? I have never had any tank bow...not in 34 years and all sizes of fish tanks. 4 of which are saltwater tank years. I would worry about any bowing at all..So I am wondering about your saying it is to be expected.

Are you sure? Have you ever actually placed a straightedge across the front of the tank to see?
All tanks bow some, whether it is measurable or not; it may or may not be apparent from the top. The thickness of glass that would be necessary to prevent bowing would add unnecessarily to the weight and cost of the tank.
Short answer is no, bowing does not immediately compromise the integrity of the tank provided the amount of bowing is within the engineered parameters.
I'm not saying that all bowing is good or bad, it depends, but I am saying that manufacturers expect their tanks to bow to some extent, whatever that extent may be. My two biggest tanks are 180 and 120, both glass, and I can see the bow in both of them by sighting across the front glass.
shwstpr, 0.25" across a 6' piece of glass is probably not going to break the glass, but if I were you I'd call the manufacturer and ask them. If you don't know the manufacturer, call Aqueon/AGA and just tell them you have one of their tanks. Chances are that's what you have, and even if not, they'll give you a more accurate answer.

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by SCSInet
http:///forum/post/3127377
Are you sure? Have you ever actually placed a straightedge across the front of the tank to see?
All tanks bow some, whether it is measurable or not; it may or may not be apparent from the top. The thickness of glass that would be necessary to prevent bowing would add unnecessarily to the weight and cost of the tank.
Short answer is no, bowing does not immediately compromise the integrity of the tank provided the amount of bowing is within the engineered parameters.
I'm not saying that all bowing is good or bad, it depends, but I am saying that manufacturers expect their tanks to bow to some extent, whatever that extent may be. My two biggest tanks are 180 and 120, both glass, and I can see the bow in both of them by sighting across the front glass.
shwstpr, 0.25" across a 6' piece of glass is probably not going to break the glass, but if I were you I'd call the manufacturer and ask them. If you don't know the manufacturer, call Aqueon/AGA and just tell them you have one of their tanks. Chances are that's what you have, and even if not, they'll give you a more accurate answer.

Never accured to me that a tank would bow...and concidered something normal.%%..never noticed any bowing on one of my tanks, none at all. This is interesting...but to be honest, if I ever do notice a bow in my tank I am going to freak totally out, and get another tank ASAP.

 

[cranberry]

They all bow a little over time. THAT bow would make me nervous and you haven't even had it that long.

 

[shwstpr88]

Ok so last night I went to the LFS and got some 4 in legs for my light, so heat should no longer be a problem, so I hope. and yes the problem came from the support braces you can see they have warped out some i guess do to the heat? I wish I had noticed sooner, but at least I caught before anything bad has happend. I will call all glass like you said and talk to them about it, heck maybe they can warranty out the top for me?

 

[scsinet]

Originally Posted by Flower
http:///forum/post/3127386

Never accured to me that a tank would bow...and concidered something normal.%%..never noticed any bowing on one of my tanks, none at all. This is interesting...but to be honest, if I ever do notice a bow in my tank I am going to freak totally out, and get another tank ASAP.
Well then I advise you not to check.
Because if you do, and notice a bow, and go out and get a new tank, then notice that that one bows too....

shwstpr, it's entirely possible that they'll warranty out a new one, but I wouldn't bet on it since it sounds more and more like your lights softened the plastic, allowing the weight of the water to stretch the crossbraces. They may SELL you a new top, but you'll need to drain the tank down at least most of the way to install it... but give it a shot!

 

[shwstpr88]

Well if thats the case you think im ok just leaving it as is? I can monitor the measurement over every other day at first then weekly then monthly? Like i said its only .25in and nothing seems stretched or stressed or leaking.

 

[salt210]

Im not about to measure to see if mine has a bow in it. would scare the crap out of me.
the puffer thinks he is about to be fed.

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by SCSInet
http:///forum/post/3127636
Well then I advise you not to check.
Because if you do, and notice a bow, and go out and get a new tank, then notice that that one bows too....

shwstpr, it's entirely possible that they'll warranty out a new one, but I wouldn't bet on it since it sounds more and more like your lights softened the plastic, allowing the weight of the water to stretch the crossbraces. They may SELL you a new top, but you'll need to drain the tank down at least most of the way to install it... but give it a shot!
I was just thinking...I always used a canopy which would lend extra support to the brace..so maybe thats why I never noticed any bowng...could a canopy also help the OPs tank?

 

[xcali1985]

Originally Posted by shwstpr88
http:///forum/post/3126992
Ya its just that dead center spot where it come out just a bit definatly don thtink the glass is bowing just that frame a bit. Anyone know where I can get replacement legs for the lights? I just emailed the guy I bought em on ---- but just in case he cant provide them.
I know you ordered some legs,but ***** sells them for like 5$ they are plastic and fit most light structures. I actually have the same lights you do and I have them on mine. Raises them about 3 inchs off the water top. Good Luck. I also dont think the tank is bowing just the plastic. Easiest way to find out is to take something long and flat and lay it against the glass and see if there are gaps or your able to rock it against the glass.