Flat, tidal pool tank

[Swingline77]

I've been thinking of a theoretical build, but don't know how well it would work. What do you think of a simulated tidal pool that's only viewed from the top? The DT could be 48"x48"x12", but only filled to 8" deep. The extra 4" will be for safety in case there's a clog, etc. This would be about 80 gal.

The precise dimensions aren't important, though. The point is, it would be viewed from the top, not the sides. The only downsides I can see is that you might want to occasionally raise the lights for viewing, and there would be considerable evaporation losses.

I tried finding pics of such tanks, but can't. Maybe I just don't know the terminology.

 

[Retro Reefer]

As you said lighting will probably be your biggest issue, having it high enough so it doesn’t effect observation of tank but is still effective.. years ago after a family trip to the national aquarium and seeing their tidal pools I really wanted to do one myself but gave up on the idea because of trying to lighting it. I would think a large solar tube would be the best way to accomplish this.

 

[Coralreefer1]

Maybe you could incorporate a mirror and place it just right to enable you to visualize your tank from the top down without having to do anything with the lights.
Or, set up a pulley system or a cable/rail set up to adjust or slide the lights out of your way for viewing purposes then slide it back.
Just offering suggestions...I may be out of the ball park on this kind of like my Minnesota Vikings last weekend against the Bears. They were not even at the ballpark when they got lit up by the Chicago Bears and now are out of the playoffs?

 

[fish farmer]

Something like this...

This was set up as a terrarium primarily. It's a 65 gallon RR with the overflow cut down to around 8". I wonder in your situation if having spot lights angled in each corner instead of directly above.

I'm pondering a better macro light for this tank either a spot light or 12 by 12 inch square. Right now I have a small viewing window in the top and have a cheap strip light toward the back.

 

[Swingline77]

Something like this...

This was set up as a terrarium primarily. It's a 65 gallon RR with the overflow cut down to around 8". I wonder in your situation if having spot lights angled in each corner instead of directly above.

I'm pondering a better macro light for this tank either a spot light or 12 by 12 inch square. Right now I have a small viewing window in the top and have a cheap strip light toward the back.

Lighting from the sides would be a great idea. I'm not actually planning to do this, by the way. It's just in the realm of a fantasy tank.