Glass canopy or Plexiglass between lights and water ??

[sueandleo]

Is it possible for the glass canopy that you buy at the local pet shop to filter out certain rays of the spectrum that you need from your bulbs ?? I only ask this because those canopies are tempered.... I could always get a piece of 1/4" lexan or plexiglass cut to fit instead.... I'm just curious.... Thanks

 

[sueandleo]

Git back up there...

 

[tacks]

I had the same question back when I upgraded my lights. What I found out was that you really don't need anything between the water and your lights. I have a 125g with 4.8 watts per gallon of VHO about 6 inches above the water and have not had a problem. I believe anything you put between your lights and the water will filter out to some extent. Good Luck to you....

 

[jimi]

I would avoid a glass canopy directly over your tank for the sake of allowing your tank to breathe. If you are worried about the bulbs possibly breaking into your tank Home Depot sells flo light covers that slide over the bulbs individually like a thin plastic tubes. Much thinner then any plexiglass.

 

[daluminum]

Plastic will affect light spectrum.. glass will not.. even the plastic tubes are a bad idea.. the reason for the glass is to prevent evaporation.. use the glass covers.. they are your best bet.. plexiglass is bad.. there is a reason that all glass covers are .. glass.. haha..

 

[sueandleo]

Maybe I'll go with nothing between my lights and water then... Now, what should I preserve the inside of my canopy with ?? It is pine...

 

[jimi]

I have nothing between my lights and top of the water. It is best to let your tank breathe, meaning no top to allow maximum gas exchange.

 

[daluminum]

Gas molecules are pretty small. Unless you have it air tight.. I really dont think a glass cover will prevent the gas exchange.. the main thing for the gas exchange is to have a PH pushing water to the surface.. that is where the exchange takes place.. the release of gas will get out anywhere there it a crack. however I think you would have less evaporation with a glass cover.. I dont have one.. only becuase im to lazy to remember to buy one.. but I would get one..

 

[jimi]

Most marine tanks dont have tops. If your slowing evaporation your slowing gas exchange. A ph pointed at a covered surface does nothing.

 

[scott270]

i have a little gap in the back is that enough or should i leave my top open sometimes,i will have a snowflake dont know if he would try to get out

 

[msb27]

How about no glass or plexi, but then get waterproof endcaps for your lights.
Scott

 

[ksauerb322]

Watch out for jumping fish! Or eels even <img src="graemlins//eek.gif" border="0" alt="[eek]" />

 

[marine fanatic]

Question...
If I wanted to remove my glass between lights and water, will salt buildup be a problem on the lights themselves? I know I should replace my bulbs every 6 months but will having salt buildup reduce the longevity of the bulbs? I currently have twin Actinic marine-glo bulbs.
55 gal Reef
Emperor 400
EBO-Jager Heater
Berlin Air Lift Skimmer
25# Fiji LR
10 Scarlet, 10 Blue Legged Crabs
1 Damsel..that's right..ONE stinking damsel. Tank is almost fully cycled and catching this one will be enough of a headache. hehe

 

[sueandleo]

Thanks... It just so happens that there is a West Marine right around the corner...

 

[ny reef]

Well I know that Glass is made with LEAD so you really dont want to use this if you could use a light meter on the bottom of the tank and take 2 readings one with the glass and one without the readings are very diffrent and you can even notice brightness diffrence if you can notice it with your eyes just imagine what your coral feels..I would suggest using eggcrate so to prevent any fish from leaving the aquarium..and it opens up the space between the water and the lights..

 

[kijak]

In my opinion, glass tops are necesary if you have a overflow/sump you should be getting sufficient gaseous exchange. I put a air stone in my overflow siphone just prior to it going into the filter to accelerate gas exchange. The real need for the tops was to prevent thinks going in or things comeing out of the tank.
Jack