46g bowfont what all do i need

[kau_cinta_ku]

anytime. feel free to ask as I used to have a 46 gal. well actually still do. it is just my softie tank now

 

[IslandCrow]

Goodness. . .skilters and wet/dry filters for a reef tank. I feel like I've just stepped back in time. Sk8r has given you some pretty good advice, so I'd go with that. If you're going to spend your money anywhere, spend it on the skimmer. You don't have to spend $600, but don't get a cheap one either. I have an Octopus NW-110 for my 46g which I really like. It'll run you about $150. ASM also makes good, affordable skimmers. There are many others, but all of these will require a sump. The sump I would highly recommend. I believe most bowfronts use tempered glass all around, so unless you can confirm that the back glass on your tank is not tempered, drilling is out. You can still add a sump with a hang-on-back overflow. Lifereef makes a very good, worry-free overflow. They're much more expensive than something like a CPR overflow, but knowing it's not going to fail on you is well worth the extra money. The sump you can build yourself out of a used tank (I used a 20g long tank for mine) and some acrylic for baffles. It will probably cost you about $20 or so, so it's up to you whether or not it's worth the savings.

Anyway, it sounds like you're off to a good start. Try your best to take it slow and get everything set up the way you're going to want it in the long run (tank, stand, sump, lights, rock, sand, plumbing, etc.). Re-doing just about anything involving large amounts of water and living creatures just sucks.

 

[saltee dood]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12887369#post12887369 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by IslandCrow
I believe most bowfronts use tempered glass all around, so unless you can confirm that the back glass on your tank is not tempered, drilling is out.

From my research, I dont believe that is correct.

AGA and Oceanic both only temper the bottom and front.

Did a google search just now to make sure I hadnt missed something, and not only are others hearing the same thing from the manufacturers, they have already successfully done the drilling.

 

[IslandCrow]

OK, I may have been misinformed on bowfronts generally being tempered. My bad for not doing my own research, I should know better. You'll still want to confirm the glass you're planning to drill is not tempered. That could be a very costly mistake.

 

[saltee dood]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12888867#post12888867 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by IslandCrow
You'll still want to confirm the glass you're planning to drill is not tempered. That could be a very costly mistake.

absolutely agree

Dont feel bad, the only reason I knew for sure is because I am about to drill one myself.

I didnt check further since I dont have one, but there is some talk out there that bowfronts sold by Topfin are tempered all the way around, but like you said.....confirm it with manufacturer prior to drilling.

 

[Justinandkrista]

oceanic's web site says that all the tanks dont have tempered bottoms but im not sure if these are the new, old versions so im afraid to take the drill to mine

http://www.oceanicsystems.com/assets/006/12425.pdf

 

[ash71089]

is it better to have it drilled if possible?

 

[ash71089]

where does the skimmer go in the sump and what does it connect to?

 

[rolodex1]

Welcome to Reef Central....I have a 46g Bow Front...I'm running a Current Metal Halide 2X150w (300W total). My sump in under the stand and contains a Euro Reef RS-80 skimmer..Coralife 8w UV light.

 

[rolodex1]

 

[rolodex1]

I don't know why the pics will not post...sometimes they do...some times they don't...hahahaha lol

 

[Justinandkrista]

rolodex is that a oceanic hood.

 

[Justinandkrista]

or is it a custom made. I really like how you can fit the fixture in it. I also see that your useing a overflow box how dose that work out for ya.

 

[Justinandkrista]

I wish the 46 bowfront was 15 inches wide. I would like to fit a Outer Orbit HQI/T5 on it but there 15 inches wide. I think the next best light fixture for a 46gallon is a nova extreme pro.

 

[Justinandkrista]

well i found out mine was tempered

 

[Kiel'thalin]

Here was my 46 Gallon setup
Equipment:
Lighting: Aquactinics 36” T5 Fixture (5 39W Bulbs)
Bulbs: ATI Blue Special, UVL Pure Actinic, GE 6500K, ATI Blue+, UVL Aqua Sun
Refugium: 10 Gallon stocked with Cheatomorpha Algae
Refugium Light: Clamp-on 23W 5100K Compact Fluorescent Floodlight
Return Pump: MAG Drive 5 (500gph)
Overflow: Siphon Box
Heater: Finnex Digital Titanium @ 150W
Protein Skimmer: Deltec MCE600
Water Flow: SEIO 820
Timer: Coralife Single Digital Power Strip & Target Single Digital Power Strip

Supplement Dosing:
Alkalinity: Randy’s Recipe Part 1 (40mL daily)
Calcium: Randy’s Recipe Part 1(40mL daily)
Magnesium: Randy’s Recipe 1 Version A

pic:

 

[freestone]

Are you totally sold on getting the bowfront. Have you ever actually seen one set up and up close. That was my first tank. I saw it at the lfs and fell in love with it. After it was set up I noticed that the curved front caused a bit of distortion when looking at it close up. Don't get me wrong, they make beautiful tanks and plenty of people have them but from my own experience I didn't care for the curved front. I found myself looking thru the sides more than the front because it can make you dizzy staring into it (maybe just me).I do a lot of staring....as well everyone else I'm sure. I have to admit though, the bow front is stunning from arms length away.

I don't want to talk you out of the bow front...just want to share my own experience.

Get:
The best skimmer you can afford ( I have the EuroReef RS80...works well for me)
The largest sump/fuge you can fit(another problem i found with the stand for bow tank)

Good luck and keep researching...you're in the right place. There's lots of experience floating around this site.

 

[Justinandkrista]

The sump, is the hard part. The best you can get is a a 15 gallon custom made acylic or 10 gallon tank in the stand. The bowed glass does distort the water but it's just a little bow so its not bad. I think a hob fuge would work great for a 46 bf.

 

[ash71089]

ok well.. when i posted this i hadnt gotten the tank yet and i actually ended up getting a 72 gallon bowfront.. i was looking at the outer orbit HQI/T5's until i just saw the post about it being too wide.. are there any other kits like this that combine HQI/T5's and LED's?

 

[ash71089]

oh and i also have a 20 gallon long aquarium that will be the sump.. ill will have to put it in through the top