new 180 design

[bryanth73]

I am designing the new 180 ( the company is requiring me to design and sign it since its a custom tank) but am stuck on the top.
I am looking for the most open top I can have that is safe for an acrylic tank. so far its 72x24x24 with an external calfo style overflow 6x12 deep with 2 1.5 in drains . There will be 3 halides so I am looking to make sure none of them fall over a brace. Would I be able to euro-brace or would 3 seperate openings be better? also any pics of some ideas would be helpful ?

 

[sellout007]

You could probably have them Euro brace it, but its going to cost you a fortune. You would need like 2" acrylic on the long sides and at least 1" on the short sides.

I would just get the holes on the top cut extra wide and have them use thick material on top.

 

[jjjimmy]

I agree, euro brace. It may cost a bit more, but IMHO well worth it.

 

[NewSchool04]

does it have to be 72" and does it have to be acrylic? If not I would do a 60" x 36" x 24" in glass, euro braced. You can then light it with two Lumen Max pendants or two Lumenarc reflectors. Save $$$ on the power and lighting costs and plenty of room for either T5 or VHO actinic supplement.
Also, a 36" depth tank is awesome and much more striking to look at.

 

[bryanth73]

I like the 72" length fish swim sideways not so much up and down, plus my canopy is about 2 inches from the ceiling and I dont want to rebuild it again

 

[sellout007]

NewSchool was refering to 36" deep (front to back). Which actually would suite the fish even more so then a lengthier tank. But if you already have things made to fit those dimensions then there goes that idea. ha

 

[bryanth73]

what does euro look like on an acrylic I am not to sure ?

 

[NewSchool04]

yeah, the 36" is for depth. That extra 12" depth makes a world of difference, I think much more than the extra two feet in length. And like I said, much cheaper to light and cheaper with the bills.

 

[prugs]

Sorry I do't have any pics with the doors on.