anybody have a zero edge aquarium? - Page 2

scarter · 06/18/2007, 04:25 PM

you know, all the complaining about cleaning a zero edge....
its nuts, you pots are calling the kettle black.
how many hours a week does the average reefer spend on the tank, and how many more hours playing here on RC. if you like the tank you wont mind cleaning all 4 sides of the glass. and if you can dump the monsy that these tanks cost, you wont care how many watts a dart is sucking up, that is that? $20 a month?

HBtank · 06/18/2007, 04:28 PM

8 sides, no magnet cleaner allowed. That's just a little different than three sides with a magnet cleaner, just a bit.. I hate brushes and touching salt water.. it's icky..

And it can't hold fairy wrasses, I just love them wrasses, so I am biased against it..

LauraCline · 06/18/2007, 07:59 PM

I think it looks really cool but evaporation and jumping fish are bound to be issues. Cleaning algae won't be much of an issue as long as there is enough room in the overflow area to reach in and clean.

shag26272 · 06/18/2007, 08:08 PM

I clean my tank with a kent marine algae scraper I dont have to put my hand in the water and its way faster then any magnet cleaner, and also if you go to the forum on the site it says they are using the Mag 18 like someone said before. Im sure the water is cooled some by overflowing down the sides so it might not be a problem

jacmyoung · 06/19/2007, 04:46 PM

This type of tanks are not ideal for residential setting, rather commercial or office environment. My LFS has been discounting them many times they are no more costly than a conventional setup now, but still no taker.

I have to say that being able to look from top down is a dream come true for clams and coral viewing, and still can see the best of fish from the side. If only someone can guard, clean the tank, resolve the heat and humidity issue in the room for me at all time, I am all for it

kaziechameleon · 04/13/2012, 03:09 PM

I've been reading up on these tanks for a bit. I know this is an old thread but I'm trying to stir up some current/relevant conversation about them from people who have had one setup for more than 6-12 months. Seems that most people who have them appreciate them for what they are when they are setup right. I haven't seen an owner complain at this point but rather skeptics doubting from the outside. One owner from youtube did complain about jumping fish but he also sighted it was likely a result of some spawning fish chasing fish out of his small tank. Beyond that I've not see issue with them that was backed by those who own the actual tank.

People ask why people would want one... My answer is to integrate the tank into the room as a water feature. Similar to some padularium type fresh water aquariums this makes the tank in front of you more than a Aquarium and conceals all the hardware associated with it being an aquarium. As a designer what this offers a space is potentially much richer than a typical aquarium full up of cables tubes and power heads.

At any rate is there anyone who has one today who can share their experiences.

matt9190 · 04/13/2012, 05:59 PM

Seems like the algae would love that thin film of water running down the sides...

SushiGirl · 04/13/2012, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt9190

Seems like the algae would love that thin film of water running down the sides...

According to an LFS here that has one up & running (and is trying really hard to get rid of it), it does. His other issue was evap and electricity usage.

Palting · 04/13/2012, 07:20 PM

One LFS has two. One is about 200 gallons, and the other one is much larger and divided into several sections, probably 500 g.

They are look-down tanks, wide and shallow. With the large exposed surface area, there is a lot of evaporation. There also has to be a large gap between the lights and the tank surface to allow the look-down viewing, reminds me of the billiard pool lights over the pool table, and he uses his own DIY lights of T5's with LED supplements. He says algae is not a problem, as he or his wife just do a wipe down daily. There seems to be no problem with leveling, as both tanks are draining well. His flow is all through the return pumps, as the tank is viewed from all sides including the top, but he does not seem to have a ny problem keeping SPS frags in there.

He does have one more new dry complete set-up that I just saw today. He just finished aquascaping it with dry rock and will be delivering it to a dentists office.

The tanks look waaaay cool! If and when I am ready for another tank, I may consider it.

pciscott · 04/13/2012, 10:15 PM

I would think twice if there are children in the house and a snail over the edge can make water spray out of the tank. They do look awesome at the shows though!

iwishtofish · 04/13/2012, 10:26 PM

I saw one at Dr. Mac's (Pacific East Aquaculture) here in Maryland recently. It was beautiful and really got my attention. I can see it as a show tank in a living room, for example, where children and pets would not be a concern. It is kind of a novelty tank, and wouldn't be practical for keeping some animals that one might keep in a conventional tank.

If I had the time, money, etc (I don't), I'd consider trying one. I'd light it with LEDs. It would certainly be a conversation piece when company comes.

Jean Corcoran · 04/14/2012, 07:35 AM

Hi! I have had one now for a couple of years. Due to a recent move from NY to Colorado, I'm just restarting the tank so I don' have any pictures. I love the tank. It does have some issues but then all tanks do.

Cleaning to me was never a problem because the tank is so shallow. I used to have to put on snorkel gear to clean inside of my previous tank which was a tall hex.

You have to make sure that you keep on top of the check valve. If there is a power outage and the valve doesn't work you have a flood. Also watch that the pre filter doesn't clog or you will also get a flood. I inserted a small 1" pipe for the extra water flow if this happened

Snails were fun to watch because they would go up and down both inside and outside the aquarium. Fish do jump out so it's best for reef but some of the slowing moving fish are ok. If the fish are real tiny they sometimes can get swept over. My best tank mates were pajama cardinals and a small tang. Clams are also beautiful in the tank. I had a hanging MH light. Just make sure that the power cord does not drap on the top of the tank because water then drips down the cord. Hope this helps. Jean

extra3d · 04/14/2012, 07:50 AM

Would this work as an Algae turf scrubber to? Lol...

iwishtofish · 04/14/2012, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by extra3d

Would this work as an Algae turf scrubber to? Lol...

Haha, I can't imagine algae issues like that if one keeps on top of their water quality. The tank I saw at Dr. Mac's had a mangrove sticking out of the top of the rock structure. I wish I'd taken a picture, now. It was like looking down into a really clear, colorful tidal pool. Looking through the sides was pretty clear, as well.

Palting · 04/14/2012, 12:23 PM

The two at the LFS near me has macro at the trough the runs around the edges. I can certainly see putting mangrove in the trough, not just in the main tank. That would be cool.

Yes, it does give the sensation of looking into a shallow pool. This thread is making me want one.

amuderick · 04/22/2012, 09:33 PM

I am planning on a new a reef tank and I have had the Zero Edge tank stuck in my mind. I've had small freshwater tanks in the past but never any saltwater so there is a lot to learn. I am looking for something really stylish that will complement a modern, funky decor.

I went to the LFS to see a Zero Edge in action. It looked like a 20 gallon size. It was scratched, a bit dirty, and the trough was also stained with dried organics. I could see the potential but the tank was pretty beat.

The owner couldn't have tried to dissuade me more....said it takes 10 gallons a day to top off from evaporation, also that cleaning is terrible, no fish, snails, shrimp, or crabs possible at all.

I'd really like to make this work. And I'm not beyond some professional help to assist me in making it happen. But I also recognize that I might be fitting a square peg into a round hole.

I've researched a lot online and hear a LOT of criticism, but mostly from people who aren't owners.

Thoughts? Should I just settle for a more standard rimless design?

bruby · 05/30/2012, 11:08 PM

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/...1/649570b1.mp4
I have had mine set up for about a year. Mine is 46 gallons. Algae removal takes about 5 minutes twice a week. Evaporation is about 3 1/2 gallons per day, ATO is a must. I have had fish jump out of all sorts of tanks especially rimless so I don't consider that an issue really either. I personally haven't seen many tanks cooler than zero edge tanks.

maynardjames · 05/30/2012, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tennsquire

One of our LFS has one set up as a frag tank, and they've not been able to get it leveled properly. As such, the water doesn't spill down the sides uniformly and it's really hard to see into the tank since the water ripples. I think they've even had a mfg. representative try to get it right but to no avail. I can imagine that would be pretty frustrating.

bet the lfs dosent tell you when your buying it. they are sweet though

Dnastynice · 05/30/2012, 11:54 PM

our LFS has one and its amazing you can see pics of it on his face book page
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001602175808

Hampton · 03/22/2013, 09:01 PM

Revived again. Also looking into this. Anyone have any updates on the concept? I'm considering a cylindrical, zero edge. The base can be square. It's going on a square table top.

corals1 · 03/02/2014, 09:06 PM

if you want one make sure its level. I used a laser and mason/brick shims. took 3hrs lol to 1/32" also recommend having your dry wall replaced with sheet rock if you have a large one or any large aquarium. a wye check valve is the only thing I trust for backflow due to pump failure. as for fish none in there yet.

corals1 · 03/02/2014, 09:10 PM

took a long time 500lbs of sand 280lb of rock.

Reeffwkeeper · 03/02/2014, 10:16 PM

I was in love with the Zero Edge concept until I talked to my LFS employees. They really dissuaded me from purchasing one. They said maintaining it was challenging -- both interior and exterior glass to clean of algae, coralline and otherwise, snails that lose their way, and to top it off, that it scratches easily.

cliff717 · 10/09/2014, 10:30 AM

I own a zero edge and have had it running for almost 3 years now. There are some challenges but cleaning the glass is not one of them! A plastic scraper and a magic eraser is all you need. I have let my Zeroedge go; at one time you could not even see through the glass. It cleaned up quite easily without scratching; now a good wipe down once a week with the magic eraser is all that is needed. I love the tank nothing else compares to it! I have done modifications on mine to fix the drain issues. In stock form I would never own a Zeroedge tank that requires use of check valves on the pressure lines. To me it is a recipe for disaster. The only major drawback of the zero wedge tank is keeping fish inside LOL. Jumping fish jumped right out and even normal fish sometimes get sucked over the edge. Most of the time they just go for a ride down to the sump I pluck them out of the sump and put them back in the display. This is the only drawback I have found with the Zeroedge tank. Many people shy away from these tanks because of the maintenance; but this seems to be a fear that is instilled in them from people who have never owned a zero edge tank.

Spiderman097 · 01/09/2015, 01:52 PM

I think it would look amazing, but I would go crazy trying to maintain it

06/18/2007, 04:25 PM	#26
scarter Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Baltimore Posts: 605	you know, all the complaining about cleaning a zero edge.... its nuts, you pots are calling the kettle black. how many hours a week does the average reefer spend on the tank, and how many more hours playing here on RC. if you like the tank you wont mind cleaning all 4 sides of the glass. and if you can dump the monsy that these tanks cost, you wont care how many watts a dart is sucking up, that is that? $20 a month? __________________ My name is Shane and I am a reefaholic, I have a disease and they don't know what to call it. Current Tank Info: what tank?

06/18/2007, 04:28 PM	#27
HBtank Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 2,957	8 sides, no magnet cleaner allowed. That's just a little different than three sides with a magnet cleaner, just a bit.. I hate brushes and touching salt water.. it's icky.. And it can't hold fairy wrasses, I just love them wrasses, so I am biased against it.. __________________ 80g Aiptasia dominated reef tank.. with fish and now a bunch of berghia! Current Tank Info: 80g tank, re-starting a reef after a zoanthid nudibranch plauge, followed by months of steady and unstoppable STN/RTN, crashed; stayed FOWLR for a couple years, currently an aiptasia dominated reef tank with fishies and BERGHIA

06/18/2007, 07:59 PM	#28
LauraCline Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Lutz, FL Posts: 2,017	I think it looks really cool but evaporation and jumping fish are bound to be issues. Cleaning algae won't be much of an issue as long as there is enough room in the overflow area to reach in and clean. __________________ People, who have lost their dreams, will try to shoot down yours. Guard that door fiercely.

06/18/2007, 08:08 PM	#29
shag26272 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 3,088	I clean my tank with a kent marine algae scraper I dont have to put my hand in the water and its way faster then any magnet cleaner, and also if you go to the forum on the site it says they are using the Mag 18 like someone said before. Im sure the water is cooled some by overflowing down the sides so it might not be a problem __________________ .

06/19/2007, 04:46 PM	#30
jacmyoung Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,421	This type of tanks are not ideal for residential setting, rather commercial or office environment. My LFS has been discounting them many times they are no more costly than a conventional setup now, but still no taker. I have to say that being able to look from top down is a dream come true for clams and coral viewing, and still can see the best of fish from the side. If only someone can guard, clean the tank, resolve the heat and humidity issue in the room for me at all time, I am all for it Last edited by jacmyoung; 06/19/2007 at 04:54 PM.

04/13/2012, 03:09 PM	#31
kaziechameleon Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 2	I've been reading up on these tanks for a bit. I know this is an old thread but I'm trying to stir up some current/relevant conversation about them from people who have had one setup for more than 6-12 months. Seems that most people who have them appreciate them for what they are when they are setup right. I haven't seen an owner complain at this point but rather skeptics doubting from the outside. One owner from youtube did complain about jumping fish but he also sighted it was likely a result of some spawning fish chasing fish out of his small tank. Beyond that I've not see issue with them that was backed by those who own the actual tank. People ask why people would want one... My answer is to integrate the tank into the room as a water feature. Similar to some padularium type fresh water aquariums this makes the tank in front of you more than a Aquarium and conceals all the hardware associated with it being an aquarium. As a designer what this offers a space is potentially much richer than a typical aquarium full up of cables tubes and power heads. At any rate is there anyone who has one today who can share their experiences.

04/13/2012, 05:59 PM	#32
matt9190 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 102	Seems like the algae would love that thin film of water running down the sides... __________________ - Matt 30g DT w/ 20g sump/fuge - 5 years and counting... 90g DT with 30g sump/fuge currently under construction!

04/13/2012, 07:20 PM	#34
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	One LFS has two. One is about 200 gallons, and the other one is much larger and divided into several sections, probably 500 g. They are look-down tanks, wide and shallow. With the large exposed surface area, there is a lot of evaporation. There also has to be a large gap between the lights and the tank surface to allow the look-down viewing, reminds me of the billiard pool lights over the pool table, and he uses his own DIY lights of T5's with LED supplements. He says algae is not a problem, as he or his wife just do a wipe down daily. There seems to be no problem with leveling, as both tanks are draining well. His flow is all through the return pumps, as the tank is viewed from all sides including the top, but he does not seem to have a ny problem keeping SPS frags in there. He does have one more new dry complete set-up that I just saw today. He just finished aquascaping it with dry rock and will be delivering it to a dentists office. The tanks look waaaay cool! If and when I am ready for another tank, I may consider it. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

04/13/2012, 10:15 PM	#35
pciscott Pirates Cove Reef Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cypress, CA Posts: 2,582	I would think twice if there are children in the house and a snail over the edge can make water spray out of the tank. They do look awesome at the shows though! __________________ Scott Steinberger SCMAS/SCRK/MASNA member There is more than One Way to skin a Reef! Current Tank Info: Pirates Cove 400 Gallon Peninsula with 10 Ecotech Gen 4 Pro Lights, SPS heavy mixed Reef, Tank Controlled by Apex back up monitoring by Profilux, Tropic Marin Pro Salt, Brightwell Suplements and Bio Bricks, Way too many Fish! Keep it simple!

04/13/2012, 10:26 PM	#36
iwishtofish Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 4,949	I saw one at Dr. Mac's (Pacific East Aquaculture) here in Maryland recently. It was beautiful and really got my attention. I can see it as a show tank in a living room, for example, where children and pets would not be a concern. It is kind of a novelty tank, and wouldn't be practical for keeping some animals that one might keep in a conventional tank. If I had the time, money, etc (I don't), I'd consider trying one. I'd light it with LEDs. It would certainly be a conversation piece when company comes.

04/14/2012, 07:35 AM	#37
Jean Corcoran Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 41	Hi! I have had one now for a couple of years. Due to a recent move from NY to Colorado, I'm just restarting the tank so I don' have any pictures. I love the tank. It does have some issues but then all tanks do. Cleaning to me was never a problem because the tank is so shallow. I used to have to put on snorkel gear to clean inside of my previous tank which was a tall hex. You have to make sure that you keep on top of the check valve. If there is a power outage and the valve doesn't work you have a flood. Also watch that the pre filter doesn't clog or you will also get a flood. I inserted a small 1" pipe for the extra water flow if this happened Snails were fun to watch because they would go up and down both inside and outside the aquarium. Fish do jump out so it's best for reef but some of the slowing moving fish are ok. If the fish are real tiny they sometimes can get swept over. My best tank mates were pajama cardinals and a small tang. Clams are also beautiful in the tank. I had a hanging MH light. Just make sure that the power cord does not drap on the top of the tank because water then drips down the cord. Hope this helps. Jean

04/14/2012, 07:50 AM	#38
extra3d Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 100	Would this work as an Algae turf scrubber to? Lol...

04/14/2012, 12:23 PM	#40
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	The two at the LFS near me has macro at the trough the runs around the edges. I can certainly see putting mangrove in the trough, not just in the main tank. That would be cool. Yes, it does give the sensation of looking into a shallow pool. This thread is making me want one. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

04/22/2012, 09:33 PM	#41
amuderick Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 3	I am planning on a new a reef tank and I have had the Zero Edge tank stuck in my mind. I've had small freshwater tanks in the past but never any saltwater so there is a lot to learn. I am looking for something really stylish that will complement a modern, funky decor. I went to the LFS to see a Zero Edge in action. It looked like a 20 gallon size. It was scratched, a bit dirty, and the trough was also stained with dried organics. I could see the potential but the tank was pretty beat. The owner couldn't have tried to dissuade me more....said it takes 10 gallons a day to top off from evaporation, also that cleaning is terrible, no fish, snails, shrimp, or crabs possible at all. I'd really like to make this work. And I'm not beyond some professional help to assist me in making it happen. But I also recognize that I might be fitting a square peg into a round hole. I've researched a lot online and hear a LOT of criticism, but mostly from people who aren't owners. Thoughts? Should I just settle for a more standard rimless design?

05/30/2012, 11:08 PM	#42
bruby Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 9	http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/...1/649570b1.mp4 I have had mine set up for about a year. Mine is 46 gallons. Algae removal takes about 5 minutes twice a week. Evaporation is about 3 1/2 gallons per day, ATO is a must. I have had fish jump out of all sorts of tanks especially rimless so I don't consider that an issue really either. I personally haven't seen many tanks cooler than zero edge tanks.

05/30/2012, 11:54 PM	#44
Dnastynice Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 33	our LFS has one and its amazing you can see pics of it on his face book page http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001602175808

03/22/2013, 09:01 PM	#45
Hampton Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Panama City Posts: 274	Revived again. Also looking into this. Anyone have any updates on the concept? I'm considering a cylindrical, zero edge. The base can be square. It's going on a square table top. __________________ Hampton Current Tank Info: 90 Gal Reef w/ 'fuge

03/02/2014, 09:06 PM	#46
corals1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: by ohare Posts: 9	if you want one make sure its level. I used a laser and mason/brick shims. took 3hrs lol to 1/32" also recommend having your dry wall replaced with sheet rock if you have a large one or any large aquarium. a wye check valve is the only thing I trust for backflow due to pump failure. as for fish none in there yet.

03/02/2014, 09:10 PM	#47
corals1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: by ohare Posts: 9	here is mine 158gal zero edge took a long time 500lbs of sand 280lb of rock.

03/02/2014, 10:16 PM	#48
Reeffwkeeper Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: NJ Posts: 71	I was in love with the Zero Edge concept until I talked to my LFS employees. They really dissuaded me from purchasing one. They said maintaining it was challenging -- both interior and exterior glass to clean of algae, coralline and otherwise, snails that lose their way, and to top it off, that it scratches easily.

10/09/2014, 10:30 AM	#49
cliff717 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 146	I own a zero edge and have had it running for almost 3 years now. There are some challenges but cleaning the glass is not one of them! A plastic scraper and a magic eraser is all you need. I have let my Zeroedge go; at one time you could not even see through the glass. It cleaned up quite easily without scratching; now a good wipe down once a week with the magic eraser is all that is needed. I love the tank nothing else compares to it! I have done modifications on mine to fix the drain issues. In stock form I would never own a Zeroedge tank that requires use of check valves on the pressure lines. To me it is a recipe for disaster. The only major drawback of the zero wedge tank is keeping fish inside LOL. Jumping fish jumped right out and even normal fish sometimes get sucked over the edge. Most of the time they just go for a ride down to the sump I pluck them out of the sump and put them back in the display. This is the only drawback I have found with the Zeroedge tank. Many people shy away from these tanks because of the maintenance; but this seems to be a fear that is instilled in them from people who have never owned a zero edge tank.

01/09/2015, 01:52 PM	#50
Spiderman097 Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 115	I think it would look amazing, but I would go crazy trying to maintain it