Do SE Halides need UV shields?

[Pike614]

I have read mixed reviews about UV light getting into aquariums lit by SE Halides. Some say the bulbs filter the UV, others disagree. Anyone use a UV shield on their SE pendants with spider reflectors? Or know if its necessary?

 

[fishdoc11]

It isn't necessary. The bulb serves as the UV shield. I do suspend plates of glass under mine just for splashing.....most don't.
Chris

 

[rkelman]

Uv protection is built in. No worries.

 

[Pike614]

splashing is another good reason.....fishdoc, how hogh are your lights above the surface of the water?

 

[fishdoc11]

About 8"

 

[Pike614]

8" to the glass I assume, sounds good. Thanks!

 

[fishdoc11]

About 8" to the bulbs.....about 6" to the glass.

NP

Chris

 

[nyvp]

remember adding glass to De and SE bulbs decrease the par but i belive close to 20%. of coarse with DE you have to use the glass because of the harmful rays.

 

[fishdoc11]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10934066#post10934066 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nyvp
remember adding glass to De and SE bulbs decrease the par but i belive close to 20%. of coarse with DE you have to use the glass because of the harmful rays.

I didn't notice any reduction visually or in coral coloration etc....I know that's not quatitative but FWIW.

Did Sanjay publish something about the reduction with a SE bulb?

Chris

 

[hahnmeister]

Thats why I prefer DE bulbs actually... The effectiveness of UV protection that is 'built in' with SE bulbs has been shown to vary from maker to maker (its a very thin layer, so more UV does get through). With a nice thick piece that I own and know is LoE and thick... I know there will be little to no UV.

The other thing is that I prefer the glass sheild because it protects the reflector from salt spray and corrosion. The amount of light loss due to that is much more than anything that a glass sheild might take away. You can always wash off the glass, but you cant as easily just wash off an aluminum reflector.