The traditional rectangular aquarium is usually flat on all sides. But if you ever visit an aquarium store, you may notice that there are now lots of bow front aquarium models as well.
It’s understandable why traditional aquariums are flat on all sides. It makes things easier for the manufacturer to just make flat sheets which they can then just cut down to the proper side. This reduces costs, and the savings can be passed on to the consumer. It makes a traditional aquarium much more marketable.
And you may think that the flat side is always better than a bow-shaped panel since TVs today have gone the flat route. So if newer TVs are flat-screened, it follows that aquariums should be flat as well.
But that’s not necessarily true. Let’s take a close look at the pros and cons of the curved fish tank.
Advantages
Here are some reasons why many are so enamored of having a curved front for their aquarium.
- The main advantage of having a bow front fish tank is that it’s very distinctive, and that’s always a big deal. If you’re an experienced aquarium hobbyist, then having a bow front makes the entire hobby seem like new again. Somehow, it feels fresh and invigorating. You’re not doing the same things like before, so you learn new maintenance methods. And if you’re a beginner, you may also find it nice to know that you don’t have the same type of aquarium as all the others out there. You’re more unique, and everybody likes to feel special.
- It also presents a somewhat different view of the inside compared to what you usually see with a flat front. It offers a different view and again it’s also a new sensation. And some people believe the view is better from the curved front than from the flat sides.
- It also presents a somewhat different view of the inside compared to what you usually see with a flat front. It offers a different view and again it’s also a new sensation. And some people believe the view is better from the curved front than from the flat sides.
- They also seem much bigger, and thus they also look much more impressive. An aquarium can be a great focal point for interior design, and an eye-catching aquarium can really make a room look spectacular.
- Since the front sports a “pregnant” look, there’s actually some extra space for the fish. And more space is always a good thing for fish, especially for the longer ones.
Drawbacks
Of course, not everyone likes everything about the bow front aquarium. Here are some of the more common complaints:
- These things are usually more costly. There’s a price to pay for special shapes other than flat.
- For some, the look isn’t really interesting—it’s more like distorted. This is especially true from some angles and with lower quality materials (glass or acrylic) for the aquarium.
- The different shape also requires a more complicated stand to accommodate the extra girth.
- And it can also present a challenge for you to get a nice picture of the aquarium from your smartphone camera. You’ll need a sophisticated digital camera to take good pictures of the fish tank.
Who is it for?
So with this list of pros and cons, it’s easy to identify the ideal owner of a bow front fish tank. This may be a good choice for you if:
- You can afford it.
- You like new or different things. And that means you can deal with cleaning algae in different ways and you can also appreciate the new look.
- You have a place you can put it where the bulge doesn’t get in the way.
Bow Front Tanks Reviews
So now that we’re all straight on what the curved fish tank is all about, it’s time for you to pick one. Here are some of your better choices, although determining the best bow front aquarium depends entirely on your needs and budget.
Take note that they’re all more expensive than their traditional flat front counterparts, and you’ll have to check the current warranty from either the seller or the manufacturer.
1. Aqueon Mini Bow Gallon Desktop Aquarium Kit
This measures 14.5" L x 13.5" H x 10" W. This acrylic Mini Bow comes with a filter and cartridge, a 15W incandescent bulb, an aquarium light hood in black red, or bright blue, water conditioner, and even fish food.
It’s a favorite of betta owners, but you better stick to just one if you’re a beginner.
Pros
- The size is perfect for small spaces, like a dorm or apartment.
- You get all you need as a beginner right away, except for the fish.
- You also get a printed guide for the setup and maintenance.
- It’s relatively easy to clean.
Cons
- Eventually, you’ll have to change that light.
- You may also have to tinker with the filter, as it produces a very string current.
2. Tetra 29234 Half Moon Aquarium Kit
As the name says, this glass tank comes in a half moon design, with a flat back and then a curved front with no sides. It measures 18.5 x 12.6 x 20.8 inches and it accommodates 10 gallons.
It comes with a filter, a 50W heater, and an LED lighting system along with a clear lid. It’s good for several bettas or tetras or perhaps a couple of mollies.
Pros
- The size offers a bit more variety of fish.
- It’s still small enough for when you have limited space because it’s tall.
- It already comes with a filter and heater.
Cons
- It’s narrow, so you’re limited in your fish options compared to a regular tank.
- The lid is quite flimsy—some people even inadvertently throw it away because they think it’s just to fill up space in the package.
3. Aqueon 06439 Bow Front Aquarium Kit 26
This is a 26-gallon glass tank that measures 25.9 x 22.7 x 17.1 inches.
It comes with a filter with a large cartridge included, a 50W submersible heater, and a hood with a full spectrum lamp.
Pros
- It already includes everything you need if you’re a beginner, with even a water conditioner and fish food.
- A lot of people consider it beautiful.
- With its larger size, you can really have much more fish.
Cons
- The packaging can be careless, so that they’ll tape or even glue stuff to the glass.
- It’s heavy at 44.2 pounds.
4. SeaClear 36 gal Bowfront Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set
This isn’t a tall unit at 30 x 15 x 21 inches. It comes with an electrical 24" light fixture and a reflector. But there’s no filter and heater.
Its size does offer you options when it comes to your fish.
Pros
- It’s very durable, as some owners have had it for years. One owner has even had his for the last 8 years.
- The size offers you more fish options, and that’s always a good thing.
Cons
- You’ll have to buy your own filter.
- The lighting is a bit too rudimentary.
- As it is acrylic, you’ll need to be very careful so you don’t scratch the inside when you clean it.
5. SeaClear 46 gal System II Bowfront Acrylic Aquarium
This is the biggest of them all, and it measures 36 x 16.2 x 20 inches. This one offers a nice filter system with space for biological, mechanical, and chemical filter media.
There’s also space for the heater and protein skimmer, should you decide to buy them separately. There’s also a 24" fluorescent fixture but it doesn’t contain a bulb.
Pros
- Its filter setup system is very efficient.
- It offers a Turbulence Manifold feature that enables super water circulation.
- There’s also a 420 submersible pump, an air-injected nozzle, and a 4- way adjustable skimmer gate.
- It’s light at just 20 pounds.
- Its size offers greater variety in fish options and decorative items.
Cons
- You’ll have to buy a lot of accessories beforehand before you can enjoy this properly.
- It’s a bit too expensive for beginners.
- Again, it is acrylic. Be careful cleaning the inside so you don’t scratch it.
- You also need ample space in your house for this.
My Pick
If you already have some experience with aquariums, the SeaClear 46-gallon is a great option for you. It’s not just because of the size, but also it’s design and extra features. Just get a heater and a protein skimmer, and perhaps you can upgrade the light. All these aren’t really an issue for seasoned aquarists.
But for those who are just starting out, the Aqueon 26-gallon tank is a good choice too. It’s not very expensive, and it comes with a filter, heater, and lighting already in place. It’s also not that small so the size can forgive your mistakes when you neglect your maintenance duties.
Both of these tanks are good quality, and they should last for quite a while. And all of them are very beautiful to look at, and that’s already a big reason to buy them.
Images Credits: 1.
