eggcrate for lights

[rica5tully]

I have my PC striplights on glass tops. Since my tank is a bowfront, there is still space where the water is open and it can breathe. Problem is: the glass tops get dirty and it really cuts down on my light.

I thought about using eggcrate material as tops and the PC striplights could just sit on top of that. The tank would "breathe" more and I think the light intensity would be better.

BUT: in the past I've had some problems with evaporation and my striplights getting completely wet on the underside and even rotting out the contacts on the bulbs! The glass tops prevent this.

Is this something to consider? How do you keep water from evaporating and then condensing onto your lighting? Anyone dealt with this?

Thanks,
Eric

 

[revenge53142]

couldnt you just use legs on the strip light?

 

[rica5tully]

I have two strips. One is 48" and reaches all the way across the 48" tank. But the second one is only 36" and needs to lay on something because it isn't long enough.

That's why I was thinking I needed something like eggcrate. But you're right, legs would be the best way to go.

 

[MadTownMax]

I'd be cautious about using them near the saltwater without waterproof endcaps like the kinds that are used on VHO, T5, and other flourescent lights intended to be used on fish tanks.

The humid, salty air will eventually corrode the connectors if they are not protected from the humid air above the tank - that is why manufacturers mandate that people use the glass covers when using the standard strip lights. This corrosion can lead to a fire hazard - it even happens to people who use waterproof endcaps if they do not have the endcaps tightened correctly ....

not trying to be an alarmist, just trying to keep you and yours safe :thumbsup: