Eurobracing?

killerkukoo · Jan 31, 2018

Hello all. I have a 180 gallong tank. its old school tank with 1/2" glass. The black plastic brace around the top has 2 cross braces. these are causing me great shadows with my led lights. My question is this: Is it possible to eurobrace this tank then take the plastic brace off? I would probably use 1/2" glass for the euro brace. Has anyone ever done that before? the other option im looking at is buying the led strips that go with my lights and see if that cuts the shadows some. I tried t5 supplements and it did cut the shadows, but i lost the led look that i like so well. Any help would be appreciated

Evan West · Feb 5, 2018

killerkukoo said:
Hello all. I have a 180 gallong tank. its old school tank with 1/2" glass. The black plastic brace around the top has 2 cross braces. these are causing me great shadows with my led lights. My question is this: Is it possible to eurobrace this tank then take the plastic brace off? I would probably use 1/2" glass for the euro brace. Has anyone ever done that before? the other option im looking at is buying the led strips that go with my lights and see if that cuts the shadows some. I tried t5 supplements and it did cut the shadows, but i lost the led look that i like so well. Any help would be appreciated

Possible but risky IMO and would require you to drain the tank to install. Better to position the lights so the sit between the existing braces and not over them so as to cut down on shadows IMO.

killerkukoo · Feb 6, 2018

Evan West said:
Possible but risky IMO and would require you to drain the tank to install. Better to position the lights so the sit between the existing braces and not over them so as to cut down on shadows IMO.

Thank you. i thnk that is the route we have decided to go. just requires to buy different lights. i have 2 32" lights running lenghtwise with the tank.. ill buy 3 24" lights and hang them between the braces. I appreciate your input

Evan West · Feb 6, 2018

killerkukoo said:
Thank you. i thnk that is the route we have decided to go. just requires to buy different lights. i have 2 32" lights running lenghtwise with the tank.. ill buy 3 24" lights and hang them between the braces. I appreciate your input

LED lights under the braces may also help cut shadows but likely wont contribute too much to par, Bulk Reef Supply has some reef bright strip lights that you can check into. If you go this route just be sure to be mindful of keeping the lights dry.