lighting question

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by Xenia123, Jan 26, 2008.

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  1. Xenia123

    Xenia123 Astrea Snail

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    I bought a Coralife Aqualight PC fixture with lamp and the instruction said "this fixture is for use over covered aquariums only" so I went to home depot to buy the glass and cut it to fit the top of my tank and put the light on top of it. I am just wondering why the tank top must be covered. Is it a safety issue or the light will operate more properly to deliver the beneficial light with the glass cover?:confused:
     
    Xenia123, Jan 26, 2008
    Xenia123, Jan 26, 2008
    #1

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  2. chuckdee

    chuckdee Peppermint Shrimp

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    It pretty much is a safety issue. If you don't cover your tank, you might come across some salt creep or splashing water, and it could possibly cause they light to malfunction..
     
    chuckdee, Jan 26, 2008
    chuckdee, Jan 26, 2008
    #2
  3. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    Do the pc lights have a cover? or can you actually touch the bulbs? I dont see the need to cover the tank, just install the legs or hang them at least 6" from the waters surface.
     
    lunatik_69, Jan 26, 2008
    lunatik_69, Jan 26, 2008
    #3
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  4. sssnake

    sssnake Montipora Digitata

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    :thumb_up:

    Totally agree. Much better to have some open space on top for heat escape and general aeration of the water surface.
     
    sssnake, Jan 27, 2008
    sssnake, Jan 27, 2008
    #4
  5. reef_guru

    reef_guru Humpback Whale

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    the glass will lower the light efficiency with the exception of de mh where a sheild is needed. there should be a sheild on the light fixture already. the top of the tank should be open for air exchange. so lunatiks suggestion is right on the money.
     
    reef_guru, Jan 27, 2008
    reef_guru, Jan 27, 2008
    #5
  6. Xenia123

    Xenia123 Astrea Snail

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    This is from the manufacturer :"Place the Aqualight fixture on top of clear aquarium cover so that the lamps provide maximum exposure of beneficial light to all inhabitants and plants." I was thinking the same as reef guru said the glass will decrease the light efficiency. I didnt cover the top completely there is space in the front and back of the tank top so i think aeration wont create much problem. The cons is it might decrease the efficiency of the light and aeration. The pros is I like the way it look with the glass on top and also might prevent objects from falling into the tank accidentally!;D
    I am thinking to add Duro Test's Vita Lite full spectrum light to make up for the decrease light.They are cheap and can run on a rugular fixture. I heard they are good?:-/
     
    Xenia123, Jan 27, 2008
    Xenia123, Jan 27, 2008
    #6

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  7. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    You never want to cover the top of a sw tank. That is where you get your gas exchange. Warning labels are on equipment to save the company's butt in case of a law suit.
     
    Otty, Jan 27, 2008
    Otty, Jan 27, 2008
    #7