Bow front tanks vs rectangle

[keatonb11]

Hey guys! I need your opinion on what shape of tank to get? To bow front tanks distort or magnify the fish?

 

[JoeIII]

I had a 46 bow for a few years and while it did cause distortion it was not noticeable if looking straight on.

 

[saltyphish]

I will never buy another aquarium with curved glass, period! The distortion just is not worth it to me.

 

[Bassett22]

I had a 46 for years, the bow never bothered me. it didn't distort anyting unless looking at an extreme angle, flat glass will do the same thing.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

The only reason I don't like bowed tanks are the following:

1. Cleaning the curved glass
2. The viewing distortion
3. Photography issues with curved glass

 

[Waters]

I agree the distortion is annoying but it does depend on the tank.....the smaller bow front tanks seem to be worse than the larger ones. On top of that, I dislike them due to the difficulties with canopies, screened tops, etc.

 

[Snookin]

With bow fronts and curved corners cleaning and distortion will cause you headaches over time. Stick to rectangles and cubes. Unless you are a baller and can afford custom tanks and pay a business to do your maintenance and cleaning. Just stick to right angles inside the tank.