Light reduction from egg crate

[jayelblock]

I'm trying to do some research to determine optimum lighting for 24x24x24 cube with T5 only (no MH). I'm starting from scratch after 25 years away from SW, so just about everything I knew before is outdated. My question is whether anyone has any impirical information on how much covering a tank with egg crate (or other suicide deterrent) reduces the light which reaches the bottom @ 24". If anyone out there with a meter wants to share, that would be outstanding. Anecdotal evidence is also appreciated. Thanks.

 

[THE ROOK]

It's quite a bit, visually. I tried eggcrate for awhile but it's very noticable upon removal. Bird netting secured in window screen frames seems to have the least impact.

Even better is to use nothing. My tank has been without a cover for 6 months without issue. A canopy is your best bet for protection against jumpers. Also allows many light combinations.

 

[jayelblock]

Thanks for the info.

 

[Toddrtrex]

I don't know if I can find the link or not, but I have seen a "report" that it doesn't reduce the light --- but there is an up side and a down side for egg create -- one side is slightly thinner then the other. I used it over my 33 (( for the same reason you mentioned )) and to my eye I didn't notice any difference.

 

[luther1200]

There is a few types of egg crate. There is the parabolic, which is the tapered 1 Toddrtex was talking about. And there is a straight 1. I have the straight 1 now. I didn't think it had much impact at all. I had glass lids before this and they deffenetly block some light when the salt gets on them and they are very hard to keep clean. The parabolic egg crate is actually made to focus light down. It goes in light fixtures, like in a drop ceiling. If I was to get new EC I would get the parabolic, but if I couldn't find it I would just get the straight.

I think this site sells it, if not they have some good info.
http://www.louversintl.com/products/louver_eggcrate.html

 

[THE ROOK]

It may depend on how close/far the lighting is from the eggcrate. Mine was only 3-4 inches. It gave off lots of faint shadows. Certainly it would not make a difference on coral growth ubt I haven't lost a fish since going to open top, which is easier.

 

[jayelblock]

Mighty fine. Thanks to all.