standard or bowfront?

[SILLY]

Does anyone have pros and cons about standard and bowfront tanks? I'm leaning toward a bowfront 80+G. I know the bows cost more, but I'd like to know of any issues in functionality ect... Do they tend to leak because of the curve? Are they better for viewing fish? Harder to get/build a canopy? Do fish like the curve better, ie more fluid path for swimming? Just stuff like that. Love this site. Tons of info and help.

[Northernguy]

There has been a lot of leaky bowfronts out there lately.
I don't like the distorted look they give off!
Canopies are much harder to build!

[SILLY]

Thanks. I didn't realize the view could be distorted. I've only seen them in the store without water.

[rich311k]

I have a bowfront and I like it, but in hind sight I could have gotten more tank for the buck if I had gotten a regular tank. It also slightly distorts photos.

[Sharon]

Yes, I've found the same...distorted view, and photos are much more difficult...

[robflanker]

I prefer clean straight lines on all my furniture and stuff, so i prefer regular tanks

[Ty]

I haven't noticed a distorted view with mine, the only thing is that you have to run the mag float up and down because if you use it sideways only the sides will touch.

[Jaster]

I agree with the others about the slightly distorted view but IMO it isn't distorted enough to complain about or make me not love my 80g bow. Though I will say that in smaller bows I've noticed the distortion much more. Probably has something to do with the length of the curve.

Pictures are definitely a challenge.

[Brookfish]

I have several bow fronts and to be honest if I were to choose again
I would go with the regular tank shape, I find bow fronts scrape a lot easier,
pics are more difficult to get, and from a distance your fish can
seem a little distorted.

[Kaz]

You also get the best Space:Gallon ratio with a standard rectangular prism.