48 inch 55? gallon hood questions

[Dragonmommy]

Hello everyone. I have a few questions about a tank I recently aqquired. OK, its a 55 gallon according to pet stores but 47 according to the calculator, but I will call it a 55 gallon since thats what all the specs say.

Ok, i THINK the manufacturer is All-Glass, this is by comparing the build and features since i can't find anything printed on it anywhere to tell me what it really is.

I need a hood, or two. Thats my question, 1 or 2 hoods? It has a center brace so to me it appears to have been designed for 2 24 inch All-Glass brand hoods. But with that center support can I use 1 48 inch hood? I would prefer 2 24 inches, but will they fit since the openeing is actually like 23 inches and not 24? I am so confused. I will show a picture and list actual dimensions if anyone can help, thanks so much!

As measured from the OUTSIDE of the tank (plastic edges make it larger)
21 inches high
48 inches long
13 1/4 inches wide

As Measured from INSIDE the tank
20 inchs high
47.5 inches long
12.5 inches wide

Two top openings for the hoods are

23 inches long
12 inches wide (at the lip for hoods to rest on)

So for all practical purposes this tank is 48 inches long, 20 inches high and 13 inches wide
48x20x13

I believe it was made by All-Glass because the trim matches, features match, and dimensions match

So what do i do? I wrote All-Glass but who knows if they will actually write back. I think because of the divider I need two hoods, but they are 23 inch openings, not 24 inch. ugggg, why can't this be simple?

Again, thanks so so much!

 

[ksimmo1]

You definitely have a 55 long. What you need are two 23'' hoods or glass covers; however, they call them 24'' because two will fit a 48'' long tank. Whatever you do, do not cut that center brace so you can fit a 48'' hood on the tank. Without it the front and back glass panels will bow when the tank is filled with water, damaging the tank even further.

Now, if you want just one light fixture, you can cover the openings with glass panels and lay a 48'' fixture on top (you can also buy a stand or feet to rest the light on as well). I have 48'' coralife on mine sitting on glass panels, hidden under the hood of my cabinet.

 

[Jericho]

Usibng the outside measurements it calculates to 56 gal using inside it calculates to 51. Either way it is a 55 gal and as stated you can either use one or two lights your choice. Here is a calculator http://www.ifocas.fsworld.co.uk/calculator.htm

 

[Dragonmommy]

OK so if I buy two 24 inch All-glass brand hoods that shoudl work? It will save me some $$$ too

 

[nursie]

Yes they will..and get the oak trimmed ones to match your tank!! Actually..the center "bracing" only is a support to rest the hoods on, it provides no structural support for the tank. I't won't bow.

What do you plan to do with the tank? If you want to grow plants or want a higher light application for any reason, you should go with the glass tops and one long light strip. I had the brown hoods and matching lights and sold them and upgraded to the glass tops so I could have a 48" light strip with 2 bulbs. Just something to consider.

 

[Jericho]

...the center "bracing" only is a support to rest the hoods on, it provides no structural support for the tank. I't won't bow.

Sorry I would have to disagree. If you do not have the center piece in there you may not see a bow in the glass but it will add preassure to the seams and cause early failure of your tank. Ask me how I know...

 

[RTR]

I'm w/Jericho. Do not add water to a center-braced 55 without the brace intact and in place. The rims (top and bottom) are not cosmetic on these tanks, but structural.

 

[nursie]

It must vary from tank to tank. the 55 I have has a rather flimsy brace in the middle...I can't see that it provides any structural support.The old 55 I had that I sold also had a center brace..also flimsey and was cracked. I used it like that..no bowing. On the 75 I've just acquired, the center brace is very sturdy and I can see where it would be of some use. Maybe this varies by manufacturer? thickness of glass?

 

[daveedka]

If you buy a one piece 48" hood for that tank, It will have relief cuts for the center brace. I own two such hoods and they fit on the tanks very nicely over the brace. Either way is fine, and 24" hoods are usually easier to aquire, but either will work. the real question is do you want 2 24" bulbs or one 48" buld. Once again the difference is trivial at best. in the long run one 48" would probably save you 2-3 bucks a year.

And I'm with RTR and Jericho absolutely don't add water to a 55 without the center brace.
Dave

 

[RTR]

Clarification: One 48" NO fluorescent has significantly better and more even output than 2 each 24" tubes, and these days most 24" hoods have 18" tubes.

Go the tank manufacturer's sites - removal of the brace voids the warrenty - because it allows the tank to bow, and catastrophic failure is a very real possibility.