[stephaniesquires]

So, now that I have the tank set up, fuge and sump plumbed in I am noticing how many scratches this tank has. Some were there before I started this rebuild, but many have come from me SO, I'm thinking, before I stock it full of fish how about changing it to a glass tank.
Anyone have any pro's or cons about glass tanks????
I would keep the same size, 240 long (96x24x24) What about glass tops? No top? (this is CA plenty of topless around here!!
Any recommendations as to companies?? Anyone to stay away from??

[stacef]

I have a comment..

I do not know the pros and cons, but! I would love to buy your old tank if you switch, I can have one of my truck drivers pick it up Definately keep me in mind.

But on the glass top issue...that is (if I remember right) a heat trap basically, but if no heat issues, should use so that the fish do not jump out and go exploring

[RyanG]

Originally Posted by stephaniesquires

So, now that I have the tank set up, fuge and sump plumbed in I am noticing how many scratches this tank has. Some were there before I started this rebuild, but many have come from me SO, I'm thinking, before I stock it full of fish how about changing it to a glass tank.
Anyone have any pro's or cons about glass tanks????
I would keep the same size, 240 long (96x24x24) What about glass tops? No top? (this is CA plenty of topless around here!!
Any recommendations as to companies?? Anyone to stay away from??

Pro: easier to clean, no scratches.
Cons: heavier, more expensive for starfire glass. (starfire glass=clearer) Your front panel you definitely want made out of that!

Originally Posted by stacef

But on the glass top issue...that is (if I remember right) a heat trap basically, but if no heat issues, should use so that the fish do not jump out and go exploring

Yep Stace you are correct. In reef tanks you don't need glass tops, open top is fine.

[thelastmucci]

I have nothing to add to Ryan's and Stace's infinite wisdom...the tribe has spoken

[stephaniesquires]

Originally Posted by stacef

I have a comment..

I do not know the pros and cons, but! I would love to buy your old tank if you switch, I can have one of my truck drivers pick it up Definately keep me in mind.

But on the glass top issue...that is (if I remember right) a heat trap basically, but if no heat issues, should use so that the fish do not jump out and go exploring

I'm not sure you would want it for a dt - many of the scratches are very fine so it makes the view cloudy. Otherwise it's fine. I'm going to check around for glass. There's a company in Long Beach (CA) that makes glass tanks, convenient but I dont know their reputation yet.... I saw glass tops that have hinges so it seems that they could be propped open for heat issues but would still keep the critters from exploring Would also cut badk on the evaporation!!

[stephaniesquires]

Originally Posted by RyanG

Pro: easier to clean, no scratches.
Cons: heavier, more expensive for starfire glass. (starfire glass=clearer) Your front panel you definitely want made out of that!
Yep Stace you are correct. In reef tanks you don't need glass tops, open top is fine.

Not worried about the weight, the cabinet it sits on is heavy duty built in.. Definitely want the starfire glass in front... The scratches appear on this acrylic when the water flow is too high (not quite but you get the idea!!)
I worry about the no top for certain fishy's - gotta think about that

[patrick1234]

glass you can clean and not shratch up... but how do you have your set up now are you going to have to drill the glass? and if so do you have a good glass place in mind remimber most place will have you sign a form saying if it brakes its not on them 97% they dont brake but i have had some brake on me:

[stacef]

Originally Posted by stephaniesquires

Not worried about the weight, the cabinet it sits on is heavy duty built in.. Definitely want the starfire glass in front... The scratches appear on this acrylic when the water flow is too high (not quite but you get the idea!!)
I worry about the no top for certain fishy's - gotta think about that

Steph--
If you check out the DIY section, and then the Crossing over with 220g. We recently talked about options other than glass lids due to heat issues.

We talked about using the plastic egg crate--but then worried about that blocking light

Also--using netting (somewhat like a fish net) and attach that to 1x1 pieces of wood, set that on the top, then heat is not trapped, critters can not get out, and light will shine through.

Then also mentioned was to make a 'cone' with the plastic egg crate from the top of the tank up to the light on all four sides. Creating sort of it's own 'hood' then absolutely no light is being blocked, heat is not being trapped, and critters can not go far!

Hope this helps. I believe that when I set up my tank, I will be using the cone idea with the plastic egg crates, seems to be the most logical when you can hide the contraption.

Sorry guys! that was a whole book.

[stephaniesquires]

Originally Posted by patrick1234

glass you can clean and not shratch up... but how do you have your set up now are you going to have to drill the glass? and if so do you have a good glass place in mind remimber most place will have you sign a form saying if it brakes its not on them 97% they dont brake but i have had some brake on me:

I would want it 'reef ready' overflow drilled and box installed AND a warranty!!!

[RyanG]

If you want fish that are known to jump, just use egg crate on top, light still gets in and your tank doesn't heat up. On a large tank like that it will heat up fast under MH's

[stephaniesquires]

Originally Posted by RyanG

If you want fish that are known to jump, just use egg crate on top, light still gets in and your tank doesn't heat up. On a large tank like that it will heat up fast under MH's

No MH's, right now I have some (not enough for corals') T-5's. Wanting and planning on the Solaris LED's (maybe springtime). Those are on the list right after the glass tank, Ecotech battery backup, (2 more ecotech's maybe), chiller (a must before this summer).... and generator etc..!!!!!

[Waterlogged]

Originally Posted by patrick1234

glass you can clean and not shratch up... but how do you have your set up now are you going to have to drill the glass? and if so do you have a good glass place in mind remimber most place will have you sign a form saying if it brakes its not on them 97% they dont brake but i have had some brake on me:

What do use on your glass for algae and doesn't scratch. If you say a magnet, do you have to do anything to glass before using it?

[blu23girl]

Not to talk you out of the glass, but have you tried to fix the acrylic scratches? many can be fixed with water in the tank... maybe not perfect... but better? then you can skip and go to the LED's now!

[patrick1234]

[quote=Waterlogged;60604]What do use on your glass for algae and doesn't scratch. If you say a magnet, do you have to do anything to glass before using it?[/quote/]


for the most part its really hard to scrach glass most stuff will clean it just dont do use windex

[stephaniesquires]

Originally Posted by blu23girl

Not to talk you out of the glass, but have you tried to fix the acrylic scratches? many can be fixed with water in the tank... maybe not perfect... but better? then you can skip and go to the LED's now!

I tried to fix some of the deeper ones - just made a bunch of smaller ones As long as I'm putting this much time, effort and $ into it, I want a good view!!!