450 Gallon Aquarium

[jjk_reef00]

How do you like the starfire glass compared with acrylic, is it as clear?

 

[rapture]

very cool,

but how is it staying cool?

 

[Fitchguy]

There is no comparison JJK-Reef! I will never EVER own another acrylic tank unless it is a sump or frag tank. Never a display! Acrylic is such a pain in the butt to deal with and keep scratch free. As much as I paid attention to not scratch the tank, a snail will crawl by laughing is shell off while it creates a new scratch. The starphire glass is an amazing alternative and totally worth the extra cost.

 

[Fitchguy]

In the equipment room I am running a portable A/C continuously to keep the tank at 78. Highest temp during the day is 81. Having the lumenbright reflectors and mounting them high help with the heat problem alot!

 

[jjk_reef00]

+1 on the lumenbright reflectors, my tank maxes out at around 81 also and I don't have fans running above the tank.
Do you know how high the temp can get in an sps tank without stressing the corals too much?

Yes acrylic is a big pain! I'm going to have to seriously consider starphire for my next tank, which is still at least a few years away

 

[SWSaltwater]

Great barrier reef run upwards of 86 in the summer, I would say 82 range on SPS tanks since in the ocean there are not many other stress factors to compile with the high temp.

 

[savageAJC]

love the tank!!

 

[Peeyow]

I am looking to upgrade to a tank this size. It looks like you are only running 2 400w Metal Halides, or do you have all the lights listed in the first post running? Does it appear to have enough light for this size tank.
I currently have a 225 and 180 and have been collecting stuff for a while now, also wondering if you had to upgrade most of your stuff or used what you had?

Thanks Craig

 

[aquaph8]

Hey Craig, this tank was torn down a couple years ago. I don't think this guys even around anymore.

 

[jjk_reef00]

Craig you will need 3 mh for sure.

 

[Peeyow]

Thanks for the heads up. Missed the part or the thread that says it was torn down.
jjk_reef00, thanks for the advice on the MH.