Glass Covers - Yeah or Neah

[kpcollins31]

I have seen a lot of posts on the general forum regarding tank covers - some use nothing, others use glass, others use egg crate, etc.. I have been using glass for a while, but I can tell it cuts down on the light getting to the tank and it is a pain to keep the glass clean. Today, I decided to remove the glass to see how it goes. My only concern is my lighting. I have 4x54W T5's (TekLight from ReefGeek) about 4.5 inches above the surface of the water - should I be concerned about salt mist on the lights or are they far enough from the water where it should not be a problem? I suppose without the glass, I could raise them higher. Any thoughts?

Kevin

 

[Ken668]

About 3 months ago I switched over from glass panels to egg crate. I do notice a little bit of salt collection on my bulbs, but I think it's only from why I start and stop my return pump causing it to spurt a little when pushing air through the lines. But the amount of salt that I clean off is nothing compared to what I used to clean off with the glass panels.

I would give it a week or two and see what kind of accumulation you get. If you don't see much, then I'm sure the height is fine. If you get a few spots here or there, then you might want to raise it a bit.

Of course, for other people that use MH, this might not be the best route to go. Unless they have a UV shield in front of them.

 

[Dave ESPI]

I used glass tops when I had exposed lighting.

I have a pendant that has a slipglass, so no need for the topglass.

Winter time I tend to leave it on so the air vent dust does not get in the tank and for a bit of heat savings.

But in the summer I leave it open topped for cooling.

 

[michaelg]

If you don't have waterproof end caps- I'd get them.
Bulbs just need some regular wiping off- not a big deal IMO. The glass does cut back a bit on fluoro tubes- I'm sure there is a reference somewhere in the search land.