Coverglass with Aqualight

Hi all,
Just bought a 48" Coralife Aqualight (2x65 watt 10,000k + 2x65 watt Actinic).
According to instructions you are supposed to have a coverglass below this unit,but as I see it has a acrylic splashguard below the bulbs i was wondering if anyone has used this unit without a coverglass on there tank.I was hoping to have a open top tank with this unit, the unit would be approx 3.5 inches above the water level. Any opinions would be appreciated.

Eric

 

I used to have a Custom Sealife light with the same lighting as yours, It had an acrylic shield that covered the bulbs also and I used mine with an open top tank for almost 1 year with no problems. John

 

I have the same light, and I am using mine without a glass top as well. The only thing I am doing is once I week I let it cool all the way down, and then I take a clean, wet (freshwater) rag and wipe down the fixture. I have not seen any salt build up on the fixture, but I figure better safe then sorry. Also, for what it is worth, my lfs has several set ups featuring the same light all without a glass top. Not sure this is the best way to go, but it works for me

 

i get some saly buildup on my pc light, its annoying but its not that hard 2 get it off, as for glass covers, as long as ur fish rnt jumpers the pc lights have a built in plastic shield dont they? mine does

 

Thanks for the quick response guys.
Great forums,

Eric