[2Sunny]

After struggling with the overgrowth in my acrylic 280 I decided to try for a new "feng sui" in my aquarium life. The goal is ease of maintenance, lots of "negative" space, and a concentration on a dozen or so of my personally favorite acro's. With that in mind I ordered a new 240 gallon rimless from GlassCages, and am in the process of changing over my system. So here's the opening salvo . . . The silver brackets are my stolen idea using 1/2 inch conduit bent into an L shape for hanging my dual 48 inch PFO fixtures which will house two 250 watt XM 10k MHs and two 250 watt 20k XM MHs all driven by PFO-HQI ballasts as well as four VHO actinic bulbs. Funny, considering I was the guy who ran three 1000 watt bulbs over my 280 just 4 years ago. I plan on painting the conduit black before installation, and adding a custom acrylic overflow cover as well as a black background. I'm still going back and forth on the circulation (haha - I made a funny without meaning to) between hidden Tunzes or an external recirc pump. My inspiration comes primarily from Steve Weast, but of course I don't have near the space he has, none the less I aim to try. Anyways, thats it for now . . . I'll be sure to keep ya posted
Joe

P.S. Did I mention that the anemone on the opening page is a clone from my tank given to Greenwich Aquaria!

	VHO Very High Output Fluorescent Lighting - Fluorescent bulbs that run on special ballasts and have an output that is significantly higher than normal tubes. It is very possible to run an entire reef system on VHO lighting providing the proper number of bulbs and mixture of spectrums are chosen. For most hobbyists, these tubes are used in conjunction with Metal Halide lighting for simulating dawn and dusk. They often provide the "bluer" end of the light spectrum and thus a more aesthetically appealing display.

[NYreefNoob]

looks nice, but question for you, without any bracing on top of glass arent you worried about seams pushing out ? you could wrap top of glass for support.

[2Sunny]

Life is full of gambles I guess . . .

No really, several manufacturers have been doing rimless for more than a decade now with great success. There is some controversy over the particular company which I have chosen, but there are atleast 2 tanks identical to the one I ordered which have been in operation for more than 3 years, and I'm willing to give it a try considering I doubt I will keep this tank more than 5 years before I get bored and try the next project. Any sort of strap or brace would blow the whole point of the aesthetics I'm trying to achieve. Of course when 400 gallons of water spill out over my living room floor you can be the first to say "I told you so!", but we'll see . . .

[NYreefNoob]

naw i wouldnt do that, and i had a gc tank. not the prettiest, but was solid, and you could always use a clear plastic strap to bind it. you plan to have it as a look down tank ? and whats the dimensions

[1UCKY]

Beautiful set-up! Good luck with everything!

[2Sunny]

Actually a small strap around the top edge might be a real possibility. It certainly would add a large amount of support if done right . . . hmm.

As for the dimesions, I can't believe I forgot. They're 48 x 48 x 25.

[ming]

Nice tank. Is that stand also from GC?
Can you take pics of the inside of the stand as well?
I want a tank that size in the future, so I want to see more pics of it.
Heck, maybe I should come over and see it.. lol

[2Sunny]

Absolutely Ming I'll take some pictures of the inside, and yes the stand is GC also. I struggled over whether to go GC for a long time, but considering the tank and stand were $1420 delivered to White Plains, I couldn't resist since the next closest bid was over $5000 for a tank and stand. I don't know how Tom at GC does it so cheaply, but they sure do offer real discounts. We'll see . . .

And, of course, you're welcome to come visit anytime!

Joe

[NYreefNoob]

well since i just down graded size's from a gc 62g and looking to buy a home before upgrade, and looking for same size tank almost, a 36x36x25. want the island effect of rock

[tripstank]

Love the idea and great dimensions, however, I doubt the metal conduit will hold the fixtures for very long. That thin of conduit easily crimps under any kind strain. I would personally rethink that decision and half some steel tube welded or bent to size.