Cut-outs under each Metal Halide bulb. Never place a MH bulb over acrylic. This is the main cause of tank failures.

For a 72 inch tank, consider three main access panels, rather than the more standard two. This gives you two front to back struts. It also gives you cut-outs for three bulbs which is about right for this size tank. VHOs arent a problem so dont worry about putting these over acrylic.

Try to get at least a one inch radius on your corner-rounds. Two inch is better. Most cracks start at the corner round.

Try not to have your top panel polished since this can cause crazing which can lead to failure. Instead, have

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Fluorescent lamps by comparison are available in the widest range of colors, shapes, and sizes. They are truly the most flexible luminary hardware for any installation.

Aesthetically, fluorescent lamps can produce some of the most attractive spectra of light over reef invertebrates. They are ideal for viewing and photography. Actinic blue light

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Have a deserved mixed reputation amongst actual users, especially in their use on reef systems. Various "explanations" for difficulties in their use include improper bulb choice, placement, shielding, and specimen placement... all can cause real problems. I have rancoured and cautioned on the proper utilization of these "sun" replicaters. They are not cheap to acquire or energiz

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