T5s and open tanks?

[avshockey311]

I am going to add 2 T5s to my existing SunPod fixture. It hangs about 8 inches above the tank, that is also where the t5s would go. How important is it that the T5 bulbs be covered to prevent any moisture from hitting the bulb? The bulbs are usually unprotected inside of a hood aren't they?

 

[jbittner]

Mine are 3" max off the water suface with nothing covering them

 

[Myka]

Mine too.

 

[vessxpress1]

Mine are 4" above the water's surface and no cover. I've taken them out twice to clean the salt splash off of them. I've found they can be tough to clean well. I've cleaned my bulbs a couple of times in the last 6 months. Some of the salt spots just become permanent. They seem to be fine though.

 

[stereomandan]

Yeah, the salt spots on the reflectors can be permanent, which stinks, but you don't have to worry about the bulbs or probably the reflectors either, if they are 8" off the water surface.

Dan

 

[bohlke]

I have mine about 6" from the top of my tank and I clean them every once in a while. The splash isnt that bad.

 

[crvz]

Mine are also pretty close to the water (~3") with nothing protecting them. I don't have any problems with it this way.

 

[ubas]

I tried lowering my T5's below 6" for a while, but then accessing the tank to feed/scrape got to be a pain. What kind of canopy design are all you 3" people using so you can get your hands in there?

 

[Ixthys]

I did a pulley system...

 

[jbittner]

My canopy is small and removable

 

[jen bee]

mine are 3" off water , i wipe the bulbs with a wet sponge every 3 months, use chrome polish on reflectors every bulb change, 12-14 months