topless tanks-lighting

[reefin]

i just got a via aqua with pc for x-mas, they are open top tanks with the lights about 5 inches above if i put a piece of acyrlic on top to keep the evaporation down is that going to take away some of the light spectrum

 

[mlm]

Yes and it will keep heat from dissapating.

 

[zafirablanca]

This subject came up a short while back on another thread. I believe that the overwheming reponse was that many people leave their tank (top) open to improve oxygenation, help dissipate heat (to avoid using a chiller), and maintain good light quality.
You may want to do a forum search to find the thread.
It was of interest to me as I am about to install a full light hood on my 125 gallon and was trying to decide if I should keep the glass cover on. I recall the overwhemling reponse was to keep the top off. No one seemed to have problems with escape artists either.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck
-Christine

 

[thomas712]

Splashing probably not, depends on what type of fish you have. Also depends on how many bubbles are in your tank popping at the surface, this popping produces salt spray. At 6" I would not worry to greatly. You would not want salt creep to reach your lights.
Worse case - fish splashes water to your lights or endcaps on your lights, if water is connected to main body of water and touches your lights, zap, could cause some problems.
Like I said not likely, and just something to think about.
Thomas

 

[robn70]

You could use the reflective ceiling grid egg-crate from HD to at least keep the fish in. Its around $21.00 for a 2' x 4' sheet. I haven't noticed any problems with it and my PC's are about 5" above the water.

 

[ilove2ride]

I used polycarbonate that was fitted for the top. It works well, and doesn't block light.