Should I Go Topless?

[fishlawyer]

Hey All
So, after having my new 54 gallon corner tank set up for only 2 weeks, I have decided to ditch the current stock 30" Florescent Set-Up and go with a more powerful lighting system.
I have ordered a 24" canopy with a single 250W Metal Halide Bulb, four T5 Florescents and four dual LED moonlights. Can't wait to see if there is a noticeable improvement in the lighting!
So, my question now is rather simple... Should I loose the Glass top on my aquarium or should I just mount the new lighting system on top of the glass top? I don't plan on having any fish that are known to be "jumpers", but I was wondering if my lighting results will be better if I loose the glass top?

 

[mrdc]

I would say that once you go halide and T5s then the glass has to go or you will have a heat problem. You can put fans on your lights but I don't know if that will be enough if you keep using the glass top. If you don;t have any jumpers, I would get rid of the glass anyway.

 

[nycbob]

topless all the way!

 

[lil.guppy]

go topless unless you have a chiller your water will get very warm. It will also acumulate salt spray which will lower your lighting anyways.

 

[spanko]

Three words.
Pond Netting Top!!

 

[aquaknight]

Build a canopy

 

[jimmyr1rider]

I would go open top- any kind of glass, plexi, netting etc. will block some of the light rays, although pond netting has pretty big squares, you said you wont have any jumpers so no need for the net at all. Plus the heat issues mentioned already.

 

[cahuama]

I think tanks look much nicer w/out a glass top. Plus you can look into the water directly for a different view.

 

[flower]

With MH or T5s the light is too intense...think green house effect, everything will cook. You do need something to block the fish from jumping...all fish if they get spooked may jump.

 

[kacey]

Not to hijack, but can you use a glass top if your lighting is LED? Or do you still run the risk of overheating without a chiller?

 

[abeandlulu]

Originally Posted by AquaKnight
http:///forum/post/3246740
Build a canopy

I agree with building a canopy. I just put a 175 watt MH on my cousins 25 gallon tall tank with a canopy and it looks great. The shimmer is awsome.

 

[nissan577]

Originally Posted by FishLawyer
http:///forum/post/3246686
Hey All
So, after having my new 54 gallon corner tank set up for only 2 weeks, I have decided to ditch the current stock 30" Florescent Set-Up and go with a more powerful lighting system.
I have ordered a 24" canopy with a single 250W Metal Halide Bulb, four T5 Florescents and four dual LED moonlights. Can't wait to see if there is a noticeable improvement in the lighting!
So, my question now is rather simple... Should I loose the Glass top on my aquarium or should I just mount the new lighting system on top of the glass top? I don't plan on having any fish that are known to be "jumpers", but I was wondering if my lighting results will be better if I loose the glass top?
what company is the light????