Covering tank with glass divider

[tarpon13]

Quick Question.
Do you need to place glass covers between the water and the lights if you have fish that dont jump out? Or is this bad for the lighting. I have glass between the water and the lights right now and the glass is covered with salt residue. I was thinking this may be having an impact on how much light is reaching the water. Any responses would be appreciated.

 

[steve40]

glass is definately necessary to be between the lights and water. if water got onto the metal ends of your lights it could be bad. I have the same problem with the glass getting dirty but its definately a good investment have glass there and just clean it off everyonce in a while.
Because the salt is on the glass that is definately a good assumption that water is getting on it so that gives all the more reason to have it there.

 

[broncofish]

Also kind of depends on how high off the water your lights are. I've seen peoples set up running Mh 12" off the water no glass, and no sign of evaporation or saltcreep either. Personaly I like having something between them, as long as it is kept clean

 

[waterwolf]

clear dbl str or 3/16 glass has no impact on lighting quality as long as it is kept clean.

 

[tarpon13]

Thanks,
I read alot of posts from the past where people said they did not use covers so I thought maybe that was a good idea. I have a 75 gallon and I am worried that there is not enough gas exchange at the surface because the glass cover is keeping any air from reaching the tank. I have two 55 watt PC currently. I had an air stone running but I took that out cause I read that it does not do much anyways. I guess I will stick with the glass, it is a pain to clean all the time though!

 

[waterwolf]

warm water and a razor does wonders in cleaning off the deposits left on the glass.