Bow in back panel of acrylic tank - miracle or time bomb?

[troiusmaximus]

I have a noticeable bow in the back panel of my 55 gallon acrylic tank, but the bow does not appear to be growing. It has been there for quite a while (a year of more). Is this something I should be concerned about? I definitely don't want the tank to have a structural failure but it would be a great pain to replace since it is wedged into the wall.


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[PB_Smith]

I have a noticeable bow in the back panel of my 55 gallon acrylic tank, but the bow does not appear to be growing. It has been there for quite a while (a year of more). Is this something I should be concerned about? I definitely don't want the tank to have a structural failure but it would be a great pain to replace since it is wedged into the wall.


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is it a clear back or colored?
colored acrylic tends to flex a little more, but I have tanks that are in excess of 30 years old (29gal & 80gal) and 15 years (50gal) that are still as watertight and secure as day 1.
My black-backed 29 and 50 both have more flex than does the 80 clear.
I have considered gluing a support to the back of the 29 gal as it bowed a bit more than I like, but more because it causes any HOB stuff to sit crooked.


what you need to look out for are the edges to see if any separation is happening.

 

[troiusmaximus]

It has a black back panel. No separation of any kind on the edges. The top has an acrylic brace that also has a bow upward. Maybe this is offsetting the bow in the back?

 

[PB_Smith]

It has a black back panel. No separation of any kind on the edges. The top has an acrylic brace that also has a bow upward. Maybe this is offsetting the bow in the back?

the top bowing is often from exposure to heat from lighting.

You are most likely fine. As I said, I have tanks 30+ years old still doing fine.....(knocks wood)

 

[troiusmaximus]

I'll keep an eye on it but I think it's ok. Thanks everyone for the feedback.


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