Stupid divider

[wannabegolfer10]

I set up a tank a while back for my friend's family. We used a pre-drilled megaflow tank (All-Glass Aquarium - MegaFlow™ Overflow, the 65 gallon one) and made a custom canopy for it. My mistake came when ordering the light. I ordered this light:

Reef Aquarium Lighting: Outer Orbit HQI/Compact Fluorescent/Lunar Fixture

I light the light, decent output, but there is only one halide and it's smack dab in the middle. The plastic rim is divided in half at the top (i guess to strengthen the side) that creates a shadow from the halide.

My live rock levels out at about 7 inches from the top of the water, and the light sits about 2 inches above that.

There seems to be some high intensity light on either side of the shadow and my question is whether that is strong enough lighing for say, some acropora?

Also, has anyone ever taken the plastic divider peice out? Does is reduce the structural integrity?

If anyone needs to know more stats on the tank to help me out let me know

[Ninong]

Hi wannabegolfer10,


It's not a good idea to remove the center brace. It could cause the tank to fail.

It's not a good idea to place a metal halide lamp too close to that cheapy plastic brace because it could cause the brace to fail.

Sorry.

[wannabegolfer10]

Would it be possible to add another halide to that fixture and move the current one to the opposite side?

Would the fixture get too hot?

Is that even possible?

[Ninong]

I'm not familiar with that fixture. In general, it is not a good idea to "rearrange" a fixture unless you check with the manufacturer first.

The particular tank you have is not well suited for a reef tank with typical reef tank lighting.

There are a few fixtures available that are 36" long that come with two metal halides, typically two 150w DE halides but some are even available with two 250w halides, either SE or DE.

[wannabegolfer10]

Thanks for the input!