Egg Crate and Light Question Again

[JFugett]

I am considering using egg crate to keep fish from suiciding out of my tank. I used it years ago and was happy with those results, but back then I wasn't trying to grow SPS or even many LPS corals. Back then I was also using power compacts and now have LEDs. I have followed threads on egg crate and lighting from 6 to 10 years ago, but didn't find anything regarding LED lights. I know (just from observing the reflected light) that there is a loss of light, but the question is does turning up the light intensity from say 40% to 60% or more defeat the decrease? Anyone have experience with egg crate, LED's and SPS or LPS coral?

 

[JMLewis]

Why not use a brs DIY clear screen top, still get 99% of the light and looks alot nicer.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/diy-aquarium-screen-top-kits-1-4-netting.html

 

[JFugett]

I have a HOB skimmer, lights and other stuff that hang on the rim, so those screens are not flexible enough to get around all that.

 

[alton]

I went with a Polycarbonate top for my wife's 65

 

[Tweaked]

Create an acrylic back section to account for the equipment, then place the BRS DIY screen in.

 

[JFugett]

I went with a Polycarbonate top for my wife's 65

Polycarbonate top? Not familiar with that. Can you post a picture, or link?

 

[JFugett]

Create an acrylic back section to account for the equipment, then place the BRS DIY screen in.

It's funny you mention that, because last night I told my wife I thought using acrylic to block the equipment would look much better. I am definitely going to have to look closer at doing that.

 

[Tweaked]

Polycarbonate top? Not familiar with that. Can you post a picture, or link?

Basically an acrylic top

 

[Steve Atkins]

I use that netting you can get to keep birds off fruit. Often see it used in vinyards.

 

[JFugett]

Basically an acrylic top

Ah, okay. I think that would also block too much light and lead to heat problems, but it would look better.

 

[JFugett]

I use that netting you can get to keep birds off fruit. Often see it used in vinyards.

Good idea. What do you use for a frame? Do you need to route it around any equipment? I can figure something out, but wonder how you are doing it.

 

[alton]

Polycarbonate top? Not familiar with that. Can you post a picture, or link?

Sorry Lexan

 

[alton]

Acrylic will warp, and although Lexan is not the greatest on letting light through my two BML 20K XB do very well.

 

[jd371]

Why not use a brs DIY clear screen top, still get 99% of the light and looks alot nicer.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/diy-aquarium-screen-top-kits-1-4-netting.html

I bought the same stuff from Amazon, I believe it was cheaper too. For a frame I went to Lowes and bought a kit that has everything you need except the screening.

 

[BrokenSpoke]

Similar situation with HOB items on my tank. I used egg crate for the frame, it is a 1" wide perimeter which I think is 4 squared on egg crate, with cutouts for the HOB items and zip tied the BRS netting in place. Best of both worlds for me.

 

[JFugett]

Sorry Lexan

Got it. Thanks!

 

[JFugett]

Acrylic will warp, and although Lexan is not the greatest on letting light through my two BML 20K XB do very well.

Your tank does look great.

 

[JFugett]

Similar situation with HOB items on my tank. I used egg crate for the frame, it is a 1" wide perimeter which I think is 4 squared on egg crate, with cutouts for the HOB items and zip tied the BRS netting in place. Best of both worlds for me.

I like that. A lot. I think that may be the solution for me.