new t-5 lighting

[slant77]

i received my t-5 4 bulb set up for my 90 gallon tank today. I have a galss top on and wanted to know how high from the glass should i mount it the water is about 1 inch below galss. thanks

 

[dwdenny]

to be honest I would take the glass off. With it off it promotes better gas exchange and lets the tank use evaporation to cool down. That said I would mount them about 3" or so off the water. HTH

 

[slant77]

anyone else

 

[dwdenny]

One question what brand are these T5 fixture?

 

[philagothos]

Leaving the tops off also increases the amount of light that gets through. Even good glass can reduce light transmission up to 15%. However, if you have jumpers then it would probably be better to lose a little light than lose a fish. If you have a sump &/or skimmer your gas exchange should be ok (imo), even with the glass on.

With that said, I would recommend getting them as close as is feasible. The only drawback is that the Tek reflectors are hard to clean if you don't wipe them down at least once a month.

-Kevin

BTW, if you got the acrylic shield with the fixture and are using the glass tops you can ditch the acrylic to increase the amount of light that gets into the tank.

 

[old salty]

Ditch the glass tops. They are gonna sweat and prevent lots of light (that you paid good money for) from entering your tank. Also, don't buy the acrylic shields that go with the fixture. You can get the same acrylic from Dummy Depot and make your own for a fraction of the price!!

 

[slant77]

right now i have a wet dry filter under the tank. if you remove the glass and then have to put a shield over the bulbs why not just leave the glass in the first place. it is a Tek ficture. also wont the evaporation rate jump up with the glass off?

 

[old salty]

I guess I just look at evaporation as a good thing. It allows me to add more limewater.

 

[slant77]

i guess ill just see how things heat up i already notice that the glass is not getting the condisation on it hot.

 

[horkn]

the distance fom the surface to the lights isnt that big of a deal. make it easy to work on your tank is what i would say...