[game24_7]

I just got a 115-gallon acrylic tank. My plans are to start a mini reef tank. I have a couple questions. First when I filled the tank with water there is a slight bow in the center front and back of the tank, is this normal? My second question is I am looking into a euro reef skimmer but I’m not sure if I should get a RS 135 or RS 180, or is there another skimmer out there that is just as good as an euro reef skimmer that someone can recommend. Thanks Game24_7

[Ninong]

Hi game24_7,



Acrylic tanks sometimes exhibit slight bowing but whether it is normal or not depends on the amount of bowing. What are the dimensions of your tank? Length, width, height and thickness of the acrylic? Thickness of the acrylic means thickness of the top, sides and bottom, assuming you know that information.

If an acrylic tank noticeably bows, it could mean that the manufacturer skimped on the thickness of the acrylic. A very slight amount of bowing is one thing but if it's really bowing, that might be unsettling.

I've never owned an acrylic tank so maybe someone who has actually owned one with noticeable bowing will offer an opinion.

[tcook1034]

I have a 250g Acrylic, wish I would have gone glass, I have a VERY noticable bow in both the front and the back. Back of tank is more due to the rock leaning up against it.

As for the skimmer, the only one I have had good luck with is the Aqua Medic Turboflotor. I did have to create a bubble trap for it although.

I bought cheaper previous to this, and ended up replacing them due to poor performance. I am sure both skimmers you have selected will work for you, looks like an awsome skimmer, but I have never seen one.

[game24_7]

The dimensions of the tank are 60 L x 24 H x 18 W and the acrylic is 3/8"

[Ninong]

Originally Posted by game24_7

The dimensions of the tank are 60 L x 24 H x 18 W and the acrylic is 3/8"

I think most manufacturers would have used 1/2" thick acrylic for that particular tank.