Braceless tanks? Any out there?

[finrod2]

Planning to start my 235 gal reef this summer. I'd really like to do an open top without a canopy. I'd use a Geisemann type fixture for the lighting so I could minimize any heat issues. I've seen a few braceless tanks and I really like the clean look. I believe many of the tanks from Japn are braceless. I'm hoping to buy my tank from Envision aquarium or equivelent. The dimensions will be 60"x34"x26"h using at least 3/4" material but that was when I was going Eurobraced. How thick do you have to go on the acrylic to not need a brace. I do not want any bowing at all.

If there is anyone out there with a braceless tank this size I would love to see some pics and for you to share you likes and dislikes.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[Timbo]

Funny you should mention this...

I'm designing a 220gal 60x30x24" tank, completely braceless. Aquarium Obsessed said they could do it using 3/4" glass. Sure the tank will be incredibly heavy but I think it's worth it for the look of a braceless tank. I will have four 150w "flood light" style Iwasaki lamps. These bulbs have a built in reflector and screw into a medium socket, oriented vertically. Should make for a very open an attractive setup. Planning on LPS and softies.

I would consider getting the tank made out of glass if you want to go braceless, glass is more rigid and you could get away with using thinner material (3/4" vs 1" or most likely thicker).

 

[onehundred20]

I really like the look of a braceless tank with the hanging lights, looks real clean, just gotta make sure the glass is thick enough, a few have bowing problems.

 

[Purple Haze]

probably have to go 1" if acrylic.

 

[AcroSteve]

Acrylic will bow more than glass given the same thickness.

 

[sonofgaladriel]

Here's mine. Its a 240 gallon semi cube, 4'x4'x2'. Made with 1" thick acrylic.

 

[finrod2]

Son of Galadriel, Great looking tank. I've seen you previous posts as well. Do you get any bowing to your tank at all with 1" thickness? Have you had any suicide missions from your fish with the open top? I also hope to integrate some compartments for 2 or 3 streams like reefboy1 did for his 370. Are you still contemplating another tank?
thanks,
Mike

 

[sonofgaladriel]

There is some bowing, even at 1". Close to 1/4" actually, but I'd rather have the bowing than a eurobrace or center bracing that affects the top down viewing and/or access. As you've already pointed out, the clean lines of a braceless tank and the open feel of hanging pendants is really nice and well worth a small amount of bowing.
I've had a few fairy wrasses jump out and lost two chromis as well, but so far I've been pretty lucky that my Helfrichi firefish and Mystery wrasse have stayed put.
I've put the 6'x6'x30" tank on hold for now. I've seemed to have lost my desire and motivation with this hobby over the last several weeks and have contemplated even taking down this tank. I've had a few problems that have cost me about $600 worth of corals and I've been so upset that I don't really even look at the tank much any more. Things have settled down and the tank is looking better, but we'll see. I've decided to just let it sit for a few months and go from there.
Good luck with your set up.

 

[finrod2]

One of the primary reasons that I haven't "jumped in" is the time and committment issue. I want to be sure I'll have the time and desire. I hear your frustration when things go wrong. I'm expected a big learning curve but I wanted to do it right the first time so I'm probably going bigger than most people would go for my first tank. BTW I'm a big LOTR fan as well as you can tell by my handle. Thanks for your help.
Mike

 

[asnatlas]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7191518#post7191518 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by finrod2
I also hope to integrate some compartments for 2 or 3 streams like reefboy1 did for his 370.

Something like this

I have the overflow in the middle and on each side I have a "Tunze box" to hide my Tunzes in...

 

[finrod2]

Shawn,
Did you use the magnet holder for each of the streams?
Mike

 

[asnatlas]

Yes... I had the "Tunze boxes" made into a perfect square so that I could use the magnets on the back of the tank as well as the dividing wall between the overflow and the Tunze box... I measured to have the Tunze stick through the glass and be flush with the surface...