Centerbrace and lighting

[stdreb27]

So i am thinking about getting 36" Outer Orbit 1x150W HQI-MH w/Actinic but the tank I'm getting is probably going to have one of those huge 1/4 inch glass centerbraces. Am I just waisting money getting those lights only to have a centerbrace infront of the hallides?

 

[sly]

Centerbrace shadows aren't as bad under metal halides as they are under fluorescents. I wouldn't be that concerned over it but YMMV... (google ymmv if confused).

 

[wangotango]

"Centerbrace shadows aren't as bad under metal halides as they are under fluorescents."
Really? I've never seen a shadow from fluorescent fixtures, only halides...
Regardless, if the centerbrace is glass like you mentioned, then it won't matter, but if it's plastic you don't want to remove it. Either get a fixture with two bulbs, or replace the brace with acrylic. There are pictures of that somewhere here.
-Justin

 

[stdreb27]

Originally Posted by WangoTango
http:///forum/post/2659239
"Centerbrace shadows aren't as bad under metal halides as they are under fluorescents."
Really? I've never seen a shadow from fluorescent fixtures, only halides...
Regardless, if the centerbrace is glass like you mentioned, then it won't matter, but if it's plastic you don't want to remove it. Either get a fixture with two bulbs, or replace the brace with acrylic. There are pictures of that somewhere here.
-Justin
So don't worry about it if it is glass?
I always thought oceanic tanks had big glass centerbraces. The guy I'm buying my tank from doesn't think it has a centerbrace, but he can't remember and he is out of town till tonight. When I go pick it up. Does anyone know off the top of their head, 58 gallon 3 footer?

 

[xdfireguy]

Either way, it is real easy to replace a solid plastic center brace with a clear acrylic one. I have done it on a number of tanks.
If it is glass or clear (acrylic) then don't worry about it a single MH will not produce any major shadowing. If it is solid, replace it.