Preventing water from getting on lamps (tek fixture)

chronreefer

chronreefer

New Member
Hey everyone -
I recently put a 24" tek fixture on my tank, and am wondering how to prevent water from getting in the light. The tank is open, and there is nothing in between the bulbs and the water.
Obviously hanging the lights would solve the problem, but 1) it would be a pain, and 2) I would be concerned about the penetration ability of the T5s.
A glass canopy is also another option, but I would rather leave it open, due to aesthetics and gas exchange issues.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I was thinking of something like saran (sp?) wrap over the bulbs, but it would probably melt.
Thanks!
 
ajer

ajer

Member
It would.
Use lexan (pricey) or high heat acrylic and attach it to the TEK fixture (you could use zip-ties). drill 1/4 holes to allow ventilation. CHECK THE HEAT RATING ONLINE!! Your plastic should have 80% or higher light transparency, 200-300 F heat resistance and a high temperature transparency. Also, if your fixture has fans you should be fine, but if not mount a thermometer if possible to the inside of the fixture to measure temperature. If it gets to hot drill more holes. BE CAREFUL WITH THIS MOD.
Hope this helps:
Ajer
 
stanlalee

stanlalee

Active Member
BUY the plexiglass sheild that TEK sells for the light. I have heard of instances where that warps or henders performance by trapping heat but that would be my first action.
 
wangotango

wangotango

Active Member
+2 on the splash shield from TEK. Without waterproof endcaps it's easy to cause damage or shock if water gets splashed on them.
Just make sure you clean the shield regularly with a cloth so that salt doesn't deposit on it. As for heating, since the TEK doesn't have built-in fans, a small clamp-on fan would work fine to get rid of the warm air. Would help increase light output too.
-Justin
 
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