Will glass tops mess with lighting?

[jb61264]

I purchased a 75 gallon AGA tank from someone locally...it has the black trim with a "brace" piece that runs across the middle top of the tank. Along with the tank, the previous owner had glass tops that fit perfectly.

If I am going to build a reef system with this tank is it ok to use the glass tops to prevent a lot of evaporation and/or keep carpet surfers from going airborne?...or will the glass top filter out all of my light to the point that it will be counter-productive?

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

it won't be counterproductive but there will be some filtration. The problem with glass is you have to keep the slat creep off. That will definitely hinder your par readings.

 

[r-balljunkie]

1) yes, will filter light, significantly, and heat buidlup
2) poor gas exchange
3) no one really worries about evap...get a top off
4) ditch the tops, i say most do not use, at least not for long

GL

c

 

[mcrist]

Depends on what you plan on keeping and you light source. It may or may no be an issue depending on what you want to do. My previous tank had a closed top and I never had any problems with it but you do need to keep the glass clean.

 

[THE ROOK]

I agree tops are not needed for a reef tank. More problems that they're worth.

 

[saltydude]

+1 Balljunkie

 

[drummereef]

The gas exchange is necessary, imo, for reef tanks. You'll probably end up with depressed pH issues as a result.

 

[ludnix]

It should be noted though that you need to have glass protecting metal halide bulbs and filtering the UV light.

 

[mcrist]

If you’re not keeping a heavy load or large fish then a good skimmer will overcome the gas exchange issue.

 

[Toddrtrex]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14831158#post14831158 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ludnix
It should be noted though that you need to have glass protecting metal halide bulbs and filtering the UV light.

Depends on the bulbs. SE's have the UV envelope already around them. DE's do need a UV shield but, most (( if not all )) come with a UV shield that attaches to the reflector.

 

[jb61264]

Tanks for all the great replies...no wonder I am addicted to Reef Central!

I will be doing a mix off SPS, LPS, and soft corals in my 75 gallon...I hadn't really thought I was going to use the glass tops but was interested to know if it would significantly mess with the efficiency of my light (which I haven't yet decided on if anyone is willing to make some suggestions for a 75 that will have a mix like I've indicated).

ATO is probably the way I'll have to go anyway with a tank this big (my largest to date).