Mobile Bay Reef Keepers

Hey guys. I'm looking into buying one of the current outer orbit MH/PC combo fixtures. I need the 36" fixture that has only 1- 150w MH located right in the center. The problem is my 46gal BF has that stupid black center brace which is about 1 1/2" to 2" wide. Because the brace is right below the MH, will that serverly block the MH light and will there be this nasty shadow right down the center? Anyone have these setups with only 1 MH right above the brace? Do you notice any problems.

Also for you MH users. Do you think that fixture will require me to get a chiller? I cant get one so I wouldnt be able to get the MH if it would be required. The office the tank is in stays a pretty constant 74deg year-round.

Thanks for the help

Is the brace for aesthetics or functional ? Is the tank glass or acrylic ? Brace plastic or glass ?

The reason I ask is I remember a case years ago when the halide fell on an acrylic brace and the tank shattered.

Its a black plastic brace on a All-Glass Aquarium bowfront tank. Its part of the molded black plastic trim around the top. Not sure what type of plastic it is but its failry felxible so I dont think its acrilic. I assume the brace if functional however it bends alot if you press on it so it doesnt seem to have alot of tension on it. I would perfer it leave it in and if I get the whole fixture with legs I dont think there will be a chance that it could fall in. Im just courious if any of yall have this situation and notice any undesirable light patterns or blockage.

Actually, it is designed to keep the tank from bowing outwards even more. Do not remove it, or your tank can bow too much then split due to water pressure. I know of at least several people who did and had this same problem.

GeoGriffin wrote:Also for you MH users. Do you think that fixture will require me to get a chiller? I cant get one so I wouldnt be able to get the MH if it would be required. The office the tank is in stays a pretty constant 74deg year-round.

No I don't think you will need a chiller. I have the Aqualight Pro which is just like the Outer Orbit. I have a 75 gallon and my fixture has 2 metal halides. Mine is mounted on the legs. I don't have a canopy and I took off the clear cover. I was worried I'd need a chiller but I haven't had any problems. My temp stays in the upper 70's. Although I'm not sure how the temp will be this summer. The only problem I have is salt that collects on my light covers. I just wipe it off once a week with a wet cloth.