Bowed Front Tanks..To be or not to be..

[av8erjeff]

Hi, I had a glass 125 reef a few years ago and it worked well, but had to sell it. I'm looking about getting back into it (tank size 125-180 prob) and was considering the bow front 155. I like the looks of it, but was i was curious if u can scrape it clean with a razor blade or would it scratch...or is the curve slight enough so it's ok (if scraping vertically).

Also I didn't see any lights/canopys avail at my local pet store available for it. I was thinking of running compact Flourescents....but haven't ruled out metal hallides though i was trying to avoid a chiller. (house has ac)

I was leaning towards glass because of the scratch factor.....i can be a klutz at times...and i don't trust my self with acrylic. But didn't want the same old square shape and i don't have a ton of money.

Anyfeedback is good....Thx

[Pineapple House]

i was curious if u can scrape it clean with a razor blade or would it scratch...or is the curve slight enough so it's ok (if scraping vertically).

I've seen quite a few people scrape their bowfront clean with a good size razor blade, although at times it can be tricky, esspecielly when considering those larger tank sizes. Magnet cleaners don't work too well with a bowfront tank, also. But for the most part, a razor should do the trick.

Also I didn't see any lights/canopys avail at my local pet store available for it. I was thinking of running compact Flourescents....but haven't ruled out metal hallides though i was trying to avoid a chiller. (house has ac)
What are you considering keeping in this tank? SPS, LPS, softies?

PH =)

[av8erjeff]

Damn i never thought of the magents not working.....i usually only used the blade when i slacked for a few days...

And as far as the corals, i had a good variety last time of diff type corals, some good propogation of the the softs and healthy hard, would prob do similair. I was running 4x or 6x (i forget i think 4) 96 compacts and 2 vho before on the 125 may have to beef it up a little

[phistio]

hey av8erjeff--welcome to ReefLounge! :D

personally, i love bowfronts...they have a great view, and are quite functional. i had a 46g euro bowfront...never had a problem cleaning it...though i didn't use a magnet either...used an algae pad on a scraper, and a little bit of elbow grease.

that being said, power compacts or VHO will do fine for lighting, but i'd definitely suggest looking into MH's as well (i know you said you haven't ruled them out yet.) i know you're thinking of a variety of corals...but keep in mind that different corals have different preferences. you might get away with just one MH in the center, and PC's or VHO's lighting the rest of the tank...that way you can have the best of both worlds! :wink:

good luck!

(i can only assume from your user name that you must fly planes... 8) )

[Zack]

hey av8erjeff--welcome to ReefLounge! :D

(i can only assume from your user name that you must fly planes... 8) )

http://reeflounge.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=93 post it here! :D

[killroysrevenge]

I love my bowfront. I clean it the same way as the other person said. Scrubber on a stick. The bigger the tank though the more tricky it would become.

[Kingfishhead]

I currently have a 72 bow and love it! I use a magnet to clean it once a week and I use a blade on it every 1-2 weeks. I use a regular razor blade in my fingers not in any type of holder.


KFH

[Pineapple House]

Hey Kingfishhead, welcome to reeflounge, and thanks for regestering! Hope you enjoy the site! :-D

PH =)