HELP, is a UV shield really needed?

[heuerfan]

I'm trying to figure out if it is really necessary to have a uv shield for my double ended 150 watt hqi. I've been hearing all you need is regular glass. I've also heard i need to goto an arts and craft store to pick up uv protective glass.

Please help me decide.

Thanks,
Steven

 

[reefnetworth]

mine came with one, so imagine you need it. ive heard of terrible things that happened to SPS's due to no sheild. i do know that T5's give out UV rays but not as intense as MH's. REEF-ON!!!

 

[_K_E_P_]

Most double ended bulbs do not have a UV shield. But there are a couple that have UV block. So generally you DO need a UV shielding piece of glass in front of the bulb. This is just tempered glass, it's not too expensive. If you don't bye bye corals, and probally bye bye eyesight.

 

[RicksReefs]

yes, a glass shield is needed. glass blocks cancer causing and blinding UV C.

 

[ROB2005]

hqi needs this shield because the glass envelope is not sufficient to block this out whereas mogul based bulbs have the outer glass casing that is designed to filter out most of the UV rays

 

[heuerfan]

Thanks guys, would this be good enough? It is an allglass versa top.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ...ll&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1

 

[beaker77]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7455994#post7455994 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by heuerfan
Thanks guys, would this be good enough? It is an allglass versa top.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ...ll&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1

I doubt that glass has UV coating.

 

[RicksReefs]

there is no UV coating. glass naturally blocks UV B & C. you want tempered for the high heat, but otherwise, any glass will do.

 

[RicksReefs]

but while that glass top will help the tank, it won't do anything to protect you. the shield on DE's really should be under the bulb, not over the tank.

 

[heuerfan]

Okay thanks Rick and everyone for your advice!

 

[Arik]

Check your local glass shop, most have UV glass they can custom cut for you fairly cheaply.

A DE bulb without a UV shield will kill most of your livestock in a matter of hours, so don't fire up that bulb even for a minute.