T-5 acrylic light cover

[superb]

8 bulb T-5 retro fit light system approx 4-5inches off the water.
Do I need the acrylic cover? The light seems much brighter without it on. If water should splash the light, will their be much damage done? i.e. wipe off later when the lights are cold

 

[superb]

bump

 

[superb]

double bump?
light cover needed? anyone.

 

[dueces]

I would say yes to the light cover. I have my lights raised off the tank and the light cover on but I don't have any cover on my tank. I have to wipe down my light cover but I wouldn't go without it...IMO

 

[fanker]

no i wouldnt ir lowers par its just to simple to wipe off the bulbs every couple of months

 

[dueces]

Interesting. I would be nervous that the bulb connectors would get to much salt on them. I am going ot try it and see what happens

 

[fbm]

I have been wondering the same thing. I have been leaving my light cover on but will take it off when I get home tonight. Do you think it will harm any corals in tank right now due to the sudden increase in lighting? And do you think it will cause more salt corrosion with the cover off?

 

[tinyfish]

imo from an engineering point of view, I find it difficult to believe that a light cover will cut down par that much. Salt will corrode your end caps and anything else it contacts. Even cleaning once a month will not help. The salt crystals once formed will just keep attracting more.