open vs closed top

Hi all. I have a 90 gallon marine tank, and I just bought a Marineland T5 fixture (4x54W). It says on the instructions to only use this light on top of a glass/acrylic cover for the aquarium, not to use it over open water. However, I have always been told to have open water, as the top interferes with light transmission and increases heat (maybe not such an issue since I have a sump?). So here's my question - should I get a glass top, or is there some way I can mount the light safely over the aquarium?

 

Thats what I like about the Tek line of T5 they have a cover lens for the light. You may want to get one and add some type of channel to allow it to slid in and out of on the light fixture its to protect the end sockets and lamps. If you do not have lots of splashing and such and light is several inches about the tank like on a adjustable ceiling cable kit then you will be fine but NO covers allowed or you will be posting My Ph problems

 

From pictures of the light it looks like there are no legs on the light so I’m guessing it sits directly on the aquarium which is probably why they recommend a glass cover so salt and water spray does not hit the bulbs. Open top is very useful for helping gas exchange which is why I really like it. Any chance you can return that particular light fixture?

Generally you want to have your T5’s no closer to the water surface then four inches to avoid the splashing

 

I don't think I can return it....I wonder if it is possible to make some kind of cover for it or to attach some legs to it. The problem is that I have never done anything like this before and am not terribly handy.

 

I guess one other option may be to get a sheet of acrylic to cover the portion of the aquarium that the light sits on, but leave the rest of the aquarium uncovered (since the light is narrower than the aquarium). Does this seem like the best solution, or can anyone think of a better?

 

Can you drill two little holes ? then use a ceiling suspension kit tow little thin cables that allow the light to quickly and simply be moved up and down to suit you when looking or work in the tank . 20.00 or so and hard to see they are like spaghetti thin S.S cables easy and good solution

 

you might want to email Marineland and ask them if they sell a lens and legs. Our Products

 

Good thinking there Lady! I should have though of that myself I assumed they had already and we no what they say about that..

 

uh huh!