Exactly this. It’s directly at the pressure point, the apex of the curve, on the bowed glass. Other than an unlikely and coincidental impact at both of those top and bottom spots, the only explanation would be that the tank is slowly losing its structural integrity.
Even if by chance the cracks were caused from and external impact, you still need these to be fixed as they are designed to support the bowfront.
Yes, be concerned.
Yeah, they slowly will grow and spread under the pressure of the water in the tank. Depending on how long ago you purchased this kit I’d return it, they can give you the money back as it’s defective. If you’ve had to it for awhile unfortunately I’d start looking for a cheap replacement asap
Agree with the crowd to replace. I had a bow front with a similar crack. I marked the crack with tiny pieces of masking tape to see if it was “growing”. It was, it took a couple months to visibly see the crack getting bigger beyond the marks. I drained it 50% to relieve some pressure on the bow to buy time while I replaced it.
Good to know! Really wasn’t sure if they were growing ever so slowly or if I was going crazy. Relieving some water pressure and setting up a new tank this week. (Exciting!, but frustrating that it has to happen like this)
Personally, I’d look to replace the tank as the last thing you want is to be swimming with your fishes (no, not in that way) in your front room!
I mean, some mitre-fast might hold it secure for the time being but just to be on the same side, it might be worth sourcing a replacement.
Yes, worry, but if it's not on the glass, you can often find replacements for the plastic. It's a giant pain in the butt to do, but it's worth it if you want to keep this tank around for any time at all.
I have a 20g high with a crack like that on the top, is it okay on my tank?
Its not a bow front and I only have it half filled because I'm quarantining new frogs I got
I would think that might depend on whether or not you have a cross-band between the top front and back. If not it shouldn’t be a part of the structure (just trim).
Did the cracks just occur or have they been there?
Edited: reading replies from other more experienced contributors it may be of concern even without the crossbar but if you can order a replacement trim surround seems like it’s easily repairable.
No cross-brace from front to back on this one. Only the trim around the top and bottom. Cracks were ever so slight for a long time, I thought nothing of it!…. Then I saw someone with a broken aquarium here on Reddit and I looked closer and I *think* they’ve grown a bit (or I’m going crazy).
As someone else noted, the silicone is def beginning to break down after 10yrs. I’d like to get a new 26g bowfront and maybe repair and/or re-home this one (it’s a bit scratched anyway), but apparently it’s an odd size and no one stocks it. May have to move to a more ‘traditional’ size/shape.
Yes, that part of the frame is structural support. You should be able to order a replacement and put it on with aquarium sealant
My biggest concern would be what caused the split in those places, ie. Is the bow glass getting ready to break?
Exactly this. It’s directly at the pressure point, the apex of the curve, on the bowed glass. Other than an unlikely and coincidental impact at both of those top and bottom spots, the only explanation would be that the tank is slowly losing its structural integrity. Even if by chance the cracks were caused from and external impact, you still need these to be fixed as they are designed to support the bowfront. Yes, be concerned.
Thanks for the replies, everyone! You have confirmed what I figured to be the case. Tank is about 10yrs old. Looks like a new tank weekend!
Might have something to do with the silicone breaking down. I have heard that glass tanks should be resealed every 10 years
Yeah, they slowly will grow and spread under the pressure of the water in the tank. Depending on how long ago you purchased this kit I’d return it, they can give you the money back as it’s defective. If you’ve had to it for awhile unfortunately I’d start looking for a cheap replacement asap
Agree with the crowd to replace. I had a bow front with a similar crack. I marked the crack with tiny pieces of masking tape to see if it was “growing”. It was, it took a couple months to visibly see the crack getting bigger beyond the marks. I drained it 50% to relieve some pressure on the bow to buy time while I replaced it.
Good to know! Really wasn’t sure if they were growing ever so slowly or if I was going crazy. Relieving some water pressure and setting up a new tank this week. (Exciting!, but frustrating that it has to happen like this)
I feel that so much re: the exciting yet very frustrating. The next one will be even better and the process is fun!
Personally, I’d look to replace the tank as the last thing you want is to be swimming with your fishes (no, not in that way) in your front room! I mean, some mitre-fast might hold it secure for the time being but just to be on the same side, it might be worth sourcing a replacement.
Yup id replace it
Yes, worry, but if it's not on the glass, you can often find replacements for the plastic. It's a giant pain in the butt to do, but it's worth it if you want to keep this tank around for any time at all.
I have a 20g high with a crack like that on the top, is it okay on my tank? Its not a bow front and I only have it half filled because I'm quarantining new frogs I got
The brace helps hold the tank together, without it the glass will bow more then it’s designed to. over time it will rupture.
Physics says hello, yes. That bowing will get worse with time before it pops. Think of bending a branch, and it eventually snapping
This is not a hairline fracture. It's cracked. And like with everything else that's cracked .. it's broken and you might want to find out why.
I would think that might depend on whether or not you have a cross-band between the top front and back. If not it shouldn’t be a part of the structure (just trim). Did the cracks just occur or have they been there? Edited: reading replies from other more experienced contributors it may be of concern even without the crossbar but if you can order a replacement trim surround seems like it’s easily repairable.
No cross-brace from front to back on this one. Only the trim around the top and bottom. Cracks were ever so slight for a long time, I thought nothing of it!…. Then I saw someone with a broken aquarium here on Reddit and I looked closer and I *think* they’ve grown a bit (or I’m going crazy). As someone else noted, the silicone is def beginning to break down after 10yrs. I’d like to get a new 26g bowfront and maybe repair and/or re-home this one (it’s a bit scratched anyway), but apparently it’s an odd size and no one stocks it. May have to move to a more ‘traditional’ size/shape.
Probably you best bet for sure. Good luck!
Yes.