New and tons of questions

[VAreef]

Now have the light on and everything going. I uploaded a few pictures to the photo gallery.

There is a center piece at the top of the aquarium that is right under the metal halide bulb causing a really ugly shadow. Can this be safely cut out of the aquarium top or would I have to fashion a brace to either side of it to give it strength? I really want to get rid of that shadow.

[bobby]

I woudnt its there for a reason and could effect the strength, however I have seen tanks that have been cut that work fine but I personally wouldnt.

[Bifferwine]

I wouldn't cut it either, I'd be too . (I've been waiting for an opportunity to use the chicken for a while!).

[jhnrb]

Welcome to the site. Glad you found us. Keep us posted on your progress.

[VAreef]

I was thinking I could add two braces each about 4 inches to either side of the center one then cut it. Best guess is it's there to support water weight on the front and back glass. If I can't cut it out of the way I'm back to looking for a new light set up. That shadow messes up the entire look of the tank. Maybe it could be replaced with a clear piece? This didn't even occur to me as a possible problem when I was shopping around.

[JellyMan]

hello and welcome to the reefs where to begin
thats a decent amount of rock in the tank it will do good for a biological filter, I hate that you couldnt catch the damsels they will most likely survive not what you want they will most likely terrorise your tank when the cycle is over and you put more fish in. Your going to want at least one more powerhead, good job on the lighting. Your going to need a skimmer rated for that tank otherwise your not going to get the results you need as far as keeping your tank cleaned of unwanted nutrients. Patience is the key virtue in the hobby as well take it slow and watch it grow, take it fast your tank wont last.

[bobby]

I think the bracers would work, but I wouldnt do and I dont think anybody else would recomend it even if they though it would work, just for the simple fact nobody wants to feel responsible if it dont. Good luck and let us know what you do.

[JellyMan]

Yeah I wouldnt reccomend it.

[yote]

You have to remember that the center brace is made to hold the glass of tank in place with the pressure from inside. Any time you take that out you won't be able to get another that will fit to the specs it needs to be which will stress the seams and possibly the glass itself.
As far as the damsiels,,Get yourself a small fish hook,,the kind thats used for fly fishing and put a little bait on it.Just be gentle after you get em hooked. Oh,,remember to cut the barb off the hook first.

[squibley2]

As for the lighting you might want to look into a light that has 2 Metal halides one on each side so you don't get the shadow.