Hmmmm, how much does aquarium's top glass cut down on lights effectivity?

[hairtrigger]

AND YES... I THINK I JUST MADE UP THE WORD EFFECTIVITY. SO BACK OFF.
Just curious, because I noticed that my lights could be mounted in my canopy, and I can remove the aquariums top glass, hood, or whatever it is called. So, I dont want to go through the pain in the butt if it's not necessary. Do you think the glass makes that much of a difference in lights' EFFECTIVITY?
Thanks yawwwwl.

 

[supertube]

I think its makes a big difference I took the covers off my acrylic tank.

 

[salty rick]

I have a canopy and no glass top. A glass top will have to be cleaned periodically to clean off salt build up which will reduce the amount of light to the reef. A glass top will reduce evaporation and keep fish from jumping out. You have to decide if it is worth the effort in maintenance.

 

[hairtrigger]

Cool, I thought so. I just figured the glass, especially when combined with grime, cuts down on the penetrating rays, or whatever. Makes sense. I think I might remove the glass later today. Thanks for the responses.

 

[waterwolf]

"Clean" clear plate glass does not reduce light intensity. In some cases it could magnify it. Why else would they make Low-E glass(because clear glass can magnify they sun's rays creating a heat build-up). Kinda like a greenhouse effect. The key to this is "clean" glass. Because salt build up on glass would certainly reduce light penetration.

 

[i like fish]

I noticed a big improvement in my brain coral when I took off my glass tops. They get dirty quick.

 

[reef fool]

OT - Hey Hairtrigger,
How's the red stuff, Gone yet?

 

[hairtrigger]

Hey reef... it was almost gone but it is still there. I changed my light bulbs, put in two more powerheads, and the water params are perfect. But, I couldnt get it all out due to my tank size. So, my assumption is that it started spreading in the crevices and things, and just bloomed again. However, I have the red slime remover on standby and am thinking about putting it in today. Its funny you asked. I had held off since I was trying to stay chemical free, but sometimes you gotta do whatcha gotta do , ya know. So, thats the status now. Redslime remover will probably go in the tank in about 3 hours. I will keep you updated. Thanks for the inquiry mon. And, awesome new avartar. I was born in the good ol big apple and love mah yanks.

 

[tangman99]

I also removed the glass tops after I put in my VHO lights with waterproof endcaps. Big difference in light. I just have to clean my bulbs everynow and then, but much easier than cleaning the glass tops.
Tangman

 

[rook]

""Clean" clear plate glass does not reduce light intensity. In some cases it could magnify it. Why else would they make Low-E glass(because clear glass can magnify they sun's rays creating a heat build-up). Kinda like a greenhouse effect. The key to this is "clean" glass. Because salt build up on glass would certainly reduce light penetration."
What do you mean by plate glass? Is this something I would get at a glass company? Would plate glass give me the uv shield effect needed with HQI mh bulbs?

 

[scotts]

HT,
Thanks for asking this. I have a glass cover and one of my corals is not doing very well. I will clean the glass today.
Scott

 

[waterwolf]

Rook, Low-E glass will give you a UV shield if you turn the proper side up. But Low-E would also reduce much of the beneficial light spectrum too. Low-E glass would impair the photosynthesis process so I don't think it would be appropriate in a reef. Plate is a term glaziers use to refer to glass that is neither tempered or laminated.