advise please on tank divider cut out!!!

[justindville1987]

I will be buying a 120 wide very soon and was wanting to cut out the center brace, only because 400 metal halids use so much power. I was thinking of cutting it out and putting a peace of glass in replace of it. Any advise on the best was to get this done would be great! By the way it's a 4 ft. tank dual over flows.

 

[grouper therapy]

I modded one for a guy and I replaced the center brace with a piece of clear acrylic and used nylon bolts. Resale value will go to nothing probably.

 

[justindville1987]

nylon bolts??? I can't picture that one. How many gallon was it and how do you this it help up to the factory brace? thanks for the help so far. by the way it was good meeting you on tuesday.

 

[melev]

He's referring to bolts made out of a type of plastic that can't rust. However, what's the issue with the tank as it is? Can you post a picture of the top section so others can visual your plan better?

 

[justindville1987]

i have only one 400 on my 90 and it does the whole spread. the way i have it planed out is a single island in the middle for the sps and the botton to middle is where all my chalice frags are going (im tired of the rock wall look along the sides acans and softies and zoas to fill in the rest of the open space.

 

[grouper therapy]

Good to meet you as well. Same 120 as yours. I made him a custom reflector and he put 1 400 watt as you are doing with the last 8-10 on each end with no rock. It worked our great and was very economical. Basically you cut out the black center brace and leave about 2" on each end then you cut a acrylic brace and bolt it to the 2" tabs you left . 1/4" nylon bolts ,washers and nuts work great.

 

[justindville1987]

grouper therapy;480504 wrote: Good to meet you as well. Same 120 as yours. I made him a custom reflector and he put 1 400 watt as you are doing with the last 8-10 on each end with no rock. It worked our great and was very economical. Basically you cut out the black center brace and leave about 2" on each end then you cut a acrylic brace and bolt it to the 2" tabs you left . 1/4" nylon bolts ,washers and nuts work great.

WOW what a great idea! yes it does work great with a mixed reef but with some limitation to coral placement. reflector now i may never go to sleep haha. i've been racking my brain about this for 4 hrs on the brace, just want to say thank you.