Shallow...Rimless Frag Set-Up

[pallidamors]

So I finally upgraded from my 30 gallon breeder to a new custom built 48x18 rimless acrylic frag tank.....tank is about 45 gallons and only 11 inches tall.

Equipment (much of it reused from my old 30 gallon frag system.

36in 6x39 watt nova extreme pro t5...running ati blue plus bulbs and two ge 6500

20 long sump/refugium

400gph return pump

a koralia nano and a koralia 3 powerhead.

I still need to make a larger frag rack for the tank....just finished transferring everything over from the 30gallon this evening.


Quick question about lighting.

I have the light suspended about 10 inches from the water surface. I grew a ton of frags with this light over my 30 gallon breeder, but the light was like 3 inches from the surface (had it on its legs). Do you guys think Ill get enough par? Frags will be about 20 inches from the light. (I plan on upgrading the light in the future but I just put all new bulbs in it)

I will be growing zoas exclusively.

Here's a couple pics (crappy iphone)


empty


lights on!







Here's a few of the sump...still need to make some adjustments

[poormansreef]

Nice!!!!

[.Marshall]

Looks great! I need a frag tank..

[pallidamors]

Im thinking of adding a brace in the middle just to reinforce the tank a little.......ideas?

[firebirdude]

How thick is the acrylic? From what I can see, it doesn't exactly look thin. So I really think a center brace is not necessary at all. Tank height is generally what determines the amount of stress on your sides. You have a very shallow tank. Should be minimal stress. But I'm sure you can look up some charts/calculators on here for a second opinion.

And I think you'll have no problems with light either. Especially with just zoas.

[pallidamors]

right now the lights are 10 inches off the water...frags are about 6 inches below that water surface

should I move the light down some?

[secrest]

Looks really great.

[firebirdude]

You're fine.

[pallidamors]

Thanks everyone