Glass tank with glass cross bracing

[Osama]

I ordered my 320g glass tank that was made in error with a top cross bracing. A piece of thick regular glass 18 inches wide on the top of my reef tank. the front panel is starphire. My question is:
will the glass top significantly cut down on the light penetration - depth into the tank?
how about salt build up; will this be a continuous cleaning job to keep salt creep off that glass.
Your thoughts & opinion are appreciated especially if you have similar tanks with glass tops..

 

[ereefic1]

Hi osama, glad to here you got your tank. Exciting times aren't they?

Sorry to hear about the tank mix-up.

The glass is going to cut down on some light, how much, i'm not sure. I asked this question before about standard glass covers and I think people said like 15 - 30%, i'll try and find that thread and post it here. Thickness of the glass is going to make a difference.

I think it will be a continous cleaning job unfortunatley. Always had to clean the glass tops on the 55gal. when we had them on there.

 

[ereefic1]

I couldn't find the one I posted, but found this one from a search. Hope it helps.

http://www.thekrib.com/Lights/lights-wozniak.html

 

[dtiedke]

Did you specify "euro-style" bracing when you ordered? I ask because I was under the impression that all larger glass tanks have a center brace.

As for your questions, yes the center brace will cut the light slightly, provided it is kept clean. Cleaning will be required often if the water level is kept close to the top (my water level is less than an inch from the brace). I have to clean my brace at least once a week, but it really isn't that difficult.

I proposed the question about lighting above the center brace a while back when I upgraded from 2 to 3 MHs, and was told the Oceanic recommends that you do NOT place a bulb above the center brace. I was more worried about heat damage than cleaning.

I have placed a 250w at about 5" above the brace, and run a fan directly facing the center support, and have not detected any real heat problem. However, it is winter here and the fish room is not heated so I am still waiting for summer for the true test. I also do not have a closed hood so I'm sure that helps as well. I suspect that with adequate fans for cooling, the center brace shouldn't be damaged from the bulb.

Hope this helps....


Dave

 

[Osama]

Thanks to All.
I did order a European style with no cross bracing but the order got messed up. That's another story in itself. Need to try & live with what I got or wait for a replacement tank. Need to makeup my mind today. Since Monday my LFS will be moving the tank into the fish rom in the basement. A mojor undertaking.
I am mostly concerned with lighting penetration & I am not good at cleaning daily I like to automate as much as possible & minimize labor anyway..
My tank is 72 inches long with a center glass brace that is 17 inches wide and half inch thick. I already bought my PFO retro with 4X400W MH sockets. Two of the four MH will end up centered on the brace. I hope also that heat is not an issue ......

Any more opinions are appreciated.

 

[dtiedke]

Make sure to keep an eye on the center brace for heat problems when you start this tank. I suggest only because I have seen the effects of a failed center brace, and it isn't pretty....



Dave

 

[Osama]

Thanks Dave & Eric; I do not wish to deal with a failed cross brace. My wife is extremely patient with me & loves the hobby also. But there are limits..
I am planning to have fans cooling the bulbs. I guess I need to add a large fan circulating over the water surface also. I can do that
Any others with thoughts about minimum heigth above the top of the glass I should place the bulbs for maximum benefits to the reef tank & minimizing potential disaster of a cross brace failure?

 

[GSchiemer]

I would request a new tank. That's a big screw-up and I wouldn't accept it. You'll be very unhappy in the long run. I promise you that. The large cross-brace restricts access, blocks a significant amount of light, and needs constant cleaning.

Greg

 

[oimate84]

Osama,
I have a 135 Oceanic I got second hand, and the center brace definately removes a good amount of light, especially if you dont clean it and calcium deposits build up on it. If the center brace is thick glass, then light definately reduces significantly as compared to light in a (vacuum/air). I would definately return the tank and get the one you requested for...On something that big, its a major screw up on there part...

 

[ereefic1]

I agree with GSchiemer and oimate84, return it. That is a pretty big screw up. You ordered it the way you wanted it for a reason. It will suck to have to wait for the tank again, but i'm sure you'll be much happier in the end. Let us know what you decide.

 

[Anonymous]

With the amount of money you have to shell out to get a tank that big, I would send it back or ask for a refund to make up for the mistake.

 

[ereefic1]

Did you keep it or send it back Osama?

 

[Osama]

The tank has been moved down through a narrow stairway to the basement. A great effort by 6 guys that the LFS brought to move the tank. Great bunch of guys. Anyway; Here is where things stand. I am expecting to receive the European style perephial pieces to silicon in on the top of the tank. The plan right now is to remove the cross brace & few other things by cutting off all the top silicone holding those pieces in place. New pieces were to arrive yesterday or today from Canada. I plan on picking up at the airport. Epoxy those in place & wait few days for the epoxy to set. I am disappointed in that after spending three months waithing for a promised three weeks delivery I do not get what I ordered in that tank and I am not talking about the brace alone.... That's another story in tself & not for this posting at least not at this time.