Glass Shield for MH bulbs

[gibson981]

I have been told that single ended bulbs have there own UV shield to prevent dangerous UV rays from hitting your water. Isn't it still necessary to put in a glass shield to protect the bulb from water if I run an open top under a canopy and the bulbs will be about 7 inches above the water line?

 

[CoolUsername]

As I understand it, there really aren't "dangerous UV" rays when it comes to your fish or corals. The sun emits these same rays without ill effects these creatures in the natural world. The rays are quite useful in the natural skimming process of the ocean. Now the rays may be dangerous to your skin and eyes and yes I've heard of bulbs shattering when hit with a splash of water. I have glass shields in fron't of my halide bulbs. Mine are about 8 inches from the surface.

 

[Yinger]

no, you only need a uv shield for DE bulbs. SE bulbs have a UV shield built into the shield around the bulb. You don't need an extra sheet of glass to protect your corals. People run retros all the time without any problems.