egg-crate top

[mstump]

This is a follow-up on if people use glass tops,egg-crate, or no top.

What is the pros and cons for using the egg crates? I worry about water splashing up and busting the flouresent bulbs and with house hold dust getting in the tank.

When I do my weekly tank clean-up it seems there is always dust on top of my glass top.

 

[artful-dodger]

"egg-crate" (light diffuser panels) will block less light than the glass tops, still prevent most fish from making the jerky flight and allow better evaporative cooling (if that's important for your tank). I personally find those attributes more important than the bit of household dust that ends up in the water.

I've never had a bulb break from splashing...my retro PC bulbs are about 6 or 7 inches from the water surface, but I lift them and the hinged top out of the way whenever I'm doing anything that might splash.

 

[DMK]

egg crate blocks little light and mostly prevents fish from jumping. it also slightly heats tank water more. it's good for acclimating new corals and fish too. these are the only times i use it.