Nova Extreme

So I just got my nova extreme fixture today and was reading the instructions and it said to be used ONLY with a lid. Is it ok if i run it open top? A lot of people told me a glass lid will really affect light penetration.

 

I run mine without a lid, have been fine for over 6 months. Just make sure you dont have alot of bubbles poping on the surface and monitor it for a week or two.

I get salt creep on mine and Need to clean it at least 1 time a month.

 

I don't really have bubbles I just don't want the light to fall in.

 

A glass top will hinder penetration. Several people run these lights without a lid. As mentioned, the more surface aeration you have the more salt creep you will have to wipe off of the shield. Make sure you always keep the shield on.

 

One can only imagine the intent of instructions. In my mind, as the others have stated, "use only with a lid" would afford you two protections: firstly, the lid would prevent the light from falling into the tank. Secondly, it would prevent salt crust from developing on the reflectors.

I'm not familiar enough with the Nova Extreme to know whether or not it comes with a salt spray shield.

I'd guess that if you were willing to fully remove the fixture and the bulbs, and give it a good cleaning at least every 3 weeks, you'd be fine for the salt spray piece. As for the falling into the tank, GFCI receptacles would at least prevent fire or death--but that's an "iffy" way out.

Either way, just be as safe as humanly possible.

Hopefully you don't have any kids or pets that could possibly knock that fixture into the tank. :-/

 

It does have a shield, it will be fine to use with out a lid.

 

Mine has a shield on it, but I always wonder if the spray of water from the bubbles popping, then hitting a hot bulb could cause one of the bulbs to blow up?

 

i use a glass lid with mine and my coral still grows fine

 

The manufacturer probably puts that lable on there to cover their own butts in the event they ever did fall in. Can you blame them?
I have a glass cover over my tank, but only because I thought it would slow down evaporation. Is this true?
Sorry, not trying to jack your thread, jturnbull...

 

OP, why do you suppose the manufacturer recommends to use it only with a shield? I wonder this myself.