Fish Tank Dimensions and Lighting

Question
So I am setting up a wet bar in my family room and am playing with the idea of having a rectangular acrylic tank built that would be built in-wall so that it is viewable from both side of the wall. No here is the tricky part. The dimensions would be 2 feet wide x 2 feet long x 3.5 feet in height. I am sure I can get the tank built but is there anything I need to watch out for with a tank of this type of dimensions. I want it to be a fish only/live rock tank. Will use a protein skimmer, suitable substrate, etc. Please let me know your thoughts on the dimensions and if you can help make some recommendations on the lighting. Much appreciated.

Joseph

Answer
hi, sounds like an awesome project!!

only thing i can recomend you look out for is adequate tank bracing (with a tank this deep it will be heavily braced top and bottom and will be made from 1" thick acrylic)which may cause shadows from the lighting. the bracings are gonna have to be pretty hefty so if its a custom build make sure you work out where the lighting will be before you submit the final designs.

with the tank being 3.5ft deep you will need 400W hallides so the light penetrates to the bottom of the water. its better to get a 10,000K rated bulb as the light is a white as possible then add a couple of T5 actinic tubes for colour.

keep me up to date with the project as it sounds like a monster build!