Mesh top instead of glass?
- Thread starter charvel
- Start date
steamboat1569
Member
I think the only time I would consider it is if I had pendant lights hanging over the aquarium. Most of us have canopies with the lights attached to the lid, and a fan installed on the side or top to dissapate the heat. I removed the glass top to my aquarium when I set up the tank for reef, and built my own canopy hood.
charvel
Member
Originally posted by steamboat1569
I think the only time I would consider it is if I had pendant lights hanging over the aquarium. Most of us have canopies with the lights attached to the lid, and a fan installed on the side or top to dissapate the heat. I removed the glass top to my aquarium when I set up the tank for reef, and built my own canopy hood.
Thanks steamboat I think I pretty much have to go with a pendant with my 44 gal pentagon corner.I think I am going to go with PowerQuad prism pendant 4 lamps 96 watts. but states output of 175 metal halide. I just want to do get the right lighting. what do you think? Thanks again.
steamboat1569
Member
A friend of mine has this light pendant. They are pretty intense. Don't know much about them though. Do they come with different Kelvin degree lights that you can choose from?
heavenly damsel
Member
Would the mesh dissipate the light more than the glass top would? What are you trying to accomplish by getting rid of the glass? I took my glass off because it cut down on the light. The draw back was more evaporation=more frequent top offs. Alot depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
charvel
Member
Originally posted by Heavenly Damsel
Would the mesh dissipate the light more than the glass top would? What are you trying to accomplish by getting rid of the glass? I took my glass off because it cut down on the light. The draw back was more evaporation=more frequent top offs. Alot depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
I am trying to just do it right the first time. I heard you dont get all the light through glass and better gas exchange and less heat without the glass. I am not sure which way to go. Also if I set my pendant on the glass I heard it will break. Any suggestions ?
heavenly damsel
Member
The eggcrate sounds like a better idea than the mesh as far as light getting through. You will definitely need to top off more often though.
charvel
Member
Originally posted by pyro383
Have you thought about egg crates which really is a linear diffuser used on flourescent lighting. It is made of plastic and is tiny squares. Home Depot or Lowes carries these next to commercial lighting.
Would I set the pendant on top of the egg crate which would be on top of the glass or would I do away with the glass and cut the egg crate like a pentagon and set they pendant on top of the egg crate ? Sorry If these seem like dumb questions I just know nothing about lighting. I wish someone had my tank and i could just do what they recommend,they would already know what works. Thanks everyone.
steamboat1569
Member
I would definitely get rid of the glass. Just causes interference with the light and builds up heat.
charvel
Member
If you guys had my tank what lighting would you go with for corals , I am really interested in doing this I just cant figure out the lighting,canopy ,bulbs,brand,watts,etc. I could just do what my LFS. will tell me but There is many people on this board who I trust more and they already learned by there own mistakes. Thanks again.
j21kickster
Active Member
there is some window screening marerial that isnt metal , it some strong plastic material that would most likley work,it wont rust.
steamboat1569
Member
I think that the lighting you were originally talking about is fine. You just need to hang the pendant from above and give some clearance above your tank. Is the top of the tank far enough from the ground that kids wont get in it? Why not just a bare top with no mesh or anything. The first time I caught my cat on top of my tank, would be the last.
charvel
Member
Originally posted by steamboat1569
I think that the lighting you were originally talking about is fine. You just need to hang the pendant from above and give some clearance above your tank. Is the top of the tank far enough from the ground that kids wont get in it? Why not just a bare top with no mesh or anything. The first time I caught my cat on top of my tank, would be the last.
Ithink I will do that but what about splashes from fish etc. on to the lamps ?
heavenly damsel
Member
Personally I like the PC lights made by Helios. They have a low profile and come with side pieces that allow you to set them on the tank edge to keep them about 4" above the tank. They are also not as hot as MH.
Have you thought of building a canopy? Would keep all unwanted stuff out.
Have you thought of building a canopy? Would keep all unwanted stuff out.
charvel
Member
Originally posted by Heavenly Damsel
Personally I like the PC lights made by Helios. They have a low profile and come with side pieces that allow you to set them on the tank edge to keep them about 4" above the tank. They are also not as hot as MH.
Have you thought of building a canopy? Would keep all unwanted stuff out.
Sure I just cant picture what it should look like,or what it should be made of how high should it sit? does the canopy cover the whole opening? Please give detail instructions and I will take your word for it and do it and appreciate the advice. What ever is best I will do. Thanks.
heavenly damsel
Member
I have a cucrom built canopy with a piece of 1x1 that my lights rest on on each side _
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_ like that. The lights are about 5" wide and 2" tall, come in silver or wood grain finish. They have a bracket that fits in the ends on the bottom of the light fixture and rests on the top edge of the tank that raises the lights up about 4" above the tank, if you want them to. I cannot find them available anywhere on the net, had to get them at the LFS. Mine are 48" long and have 4 PC bulbs in them. We have 2 of these lights so far. I cannot say enough good about them, we love them. Maybe we could get our favorite e-tailer to start carrying them.
[hr]
_ like that. The lights are about 5" wide and 2" tall, come in silver or wood grain finish. They have a bracket that fits in the ends on the bottom of the light fixture and rests on the top edge of the tank that raises the lights up about 4" above the tank, if you want them to. I cannot find them available anywhere on the net, had to get them at the LFS. Mine are 48" long and have 4 PC bulbs in them. We have 2 of these lights so far. I cannot say enough good about them, we love them. Maybe we could get our favorite e-tailer to start carrying them.