220 start Up

[routman]

Hello Everyone,
I am looking for opinions on setting up a 220 Acrylic tank. 72X24X30 it has a center brace, this will be a mixed reef with both SPS and LPS.
First question, how many and what reflectors would you use for lighting. I have read that you don't want metal halides over the brace so I was thinking 2 400-watt halides, or could I get away with 3 if they are positioned high enough? I will supplement with PC and moonlights.

Question 2: I have will have one overflow with two 1" drains, what is a recommended return pump.

TIA,
Dave

 

[EriksReptiles]

I have a MH over my top brace for my 180 gallon. Its about a foot above the tank and I have never had a problem with it. Although its only a 250watt..

How much flow do you want? On my 180 I have a mag 12 and a mag 9.5 (one for the left side return, and one for the right side return). I had to put ball valves to lessen the output because the tank was filling faster then it would drain. I have 2 1" drains on it too.

Thanks Erik

 

[Kannin]

If it isn't too late... you shoud get 1.5 inch drains...

I have a glass 220 with no center brace with 3 250's. I wish it had 4. if I were you, I would do 4 250's instead of 2 400's.

 

[routman]

Thanks for the responses, it's a used tank thatalready has the drains installed. The two returns are capped off and they have the middle of the tank drilled up top for the return line.
I have read that a center brace will warp if you use halides, maybe if you put the light on top of the brace?
Erik, I would prefer three 250's, do you see that much difference in the middle of the tank because of the brace?
Thanks again,
Dave

 

[mike660r]

Did you buy the tank yet or are you researching? If you didnt buy it yet. Save yourself the greif and find another deal. Reef tanks with centerbraces are a huge pain when it comes to lighting them evenly. The heat will cause the acrylic to turn brown and you won't be happy after that happens. Also, over time salt creep and crustation will also build up on the centerbrace and it will not allow light penetration that way.

 

[corals b 4 bills]

What would happen if you put a piece of glass over the center brace with an air gap between the glass and centerbrace? would that work?

 

[routman]

Don't know if this will make a difference but this will be built into a wall and the lights can be suspended from the ceiling, so I think heat might not be a big issue, but I do agree with salt creep.
I have agreed to buy the tank, so yes it's a little to late to back out.

If anyone has a center brace can you post your tank size and lighting that you are using, maybe even a picture?
Thanks.