Question of lid cleaning

How much could a dirty glass lid affect the light the tank gets?

I have a warehouse style pendant with an aquarium bulb in it. I am wondering how much a dirty glass lib could affect the light entering the tank.

My maintenance is not the best and the glass lid on my 20 gallon long tank is often covered in salt and general cloudiness. Since the MH pendant hangs 10 inches from the water line I wonder how much the dirtier lid affects it. Should my maintenance include weekly cleaning of the lid or is it just an appearance thing?

 

I would tell you to leave the lids off all together for two reasons (1) Better light transmission (2) Better gas exchange at the surface of the water.

 

Couldn't have said it better myself. You need to have the glass off the top and yes if it is dirty it will filter the light.

 

Lets do a quick pros and cons list for glass off. How does that affect heat from the MH pendant and consequently the water temp? Would it be higher or lower?

I would probably experience greater water loss right?

I only have 3 clowns in that tank, no risk of jumping.

How about snails and such, wouldn't they just crawl out and dry up? This is a total newb question but I had to ask as I have seen snails up there out of the water. Seems like they could get too far away and not be able to make it back.

Are there downsides other than water loss? Is salt creep an issue more or less with the top off?

Thanks for your input.

 

My guess is temp will be lower. The air will help cool the water as well.

Yes, more water loss, about a gallon a day in over 90 gallon tank

Always a risk of jumping. That is why many use egg crate

Snails will do that but always come back home when they are done air bathing.

Salt creep usually only comes from air stones. I dont have air stone in the tank now and have 0 salt creep. If you have a stone, you can add a small piece of cover above it to stop the micro bubles and thus salt creep.

 

OK, thanks for the replies. The top is coming off today. I'm hoping the corals brighten up today.

 

Of all my snails, only the Nerites actually leave the tank. I'm talking taking a trip to the hardwood floors! I'll usually hear them fall. But I check behind the tank every morning usually.

I've also had Chitons, Limpets, and Florida Ceriths crawl out - but they all returned on their own. Silly Nerites just don't know when to stop!