Magma

Its the heat from the Bulbs, mixed with the colder water that cracks the glass, you need to keep at least an inch of clearance between them or as suggested you can try acrylic but it scratches really easy which some people dont like. Also dont forget the thicker the glass the more the light is diffused before it hits the water so if you have coral or plants that need the light just keep that in mind.

IMO it really depends what your looking for. Heaters, Powerheads, Pumps etc. I like to go to Pisces or Big Al's for those as they tend to be cheaper. For fish if im looking for FW I go to golds but if I am looking to stock my SW tanks I almost always end up over at Red Coral, great prices and very helpful staff.

Hey so im new to this site, just checking around always trying to find local forums for salt water discussions and info to try and keep my tanks up to par