Splash guard / glass hood effect on lighting

Interested on the overall disadvantages of having both a splash guard on my T5 fixture and glass hood over my tank.

Ive read a little about the oxygen issues and how much the light is filtered out by the glass and splash guard but id like to get more responses and input.

do you think i should remove both or just one.... Thanks alot for the feedback Jon

 

I'd keep the light splach guard knowing ya have to clean it every other day! As far as the tank cover, lose it for sure! Too much work + too much maintenace to prevent what it hurts! Look into building a mesh top if you have fish jumpers!

 

what exactly does it hurt....
and in your opinion you think building a mesh DIY is the way to go?

 

it hurts the gas exchange and light getting in! IMO its a no brainer that glass tops are aweful! The only time i'd have one is with a open sump and no high light req corals! The concept is nice, the practice of them is aweful! You'd have to clean them everyday for a reef system! The advantage of the mesh is that it allows the proper gas exchange needed for the tank while keeping fish from jumping out! That being said, I have neither! But I hope i don't have suicidal fish, and haven't yet! Look your fish up on liveaqauria! They say if they're jumpers or not!

 

I already know i have a few jumpers....

Looks like a DIY mesh top it will have to be. I have had trouble keeping my nitrates down and ive tried just about everything.... And trust me ive been doing everything right.... other then looking into removing my top. Do you think this could be the issue. I have a completely stocked reef tank.

Would you remove both the splash guard and glass top or just the glass

 

I'd def remove the glass top and build an easy mesh top cover from LOWES or homedepot! That's an almost must for you!
i'd keep the light splash guard! IMO lights aren't cheap and just understand ya gotta clean it here and there! like every few days!

for the nitrate thing! That's not as easy!
what is your tank size
powerheads
filters
skimmers
sump
livestock
params?

 

BUMP... any more input

 

Jon, it's hard to help anymore without more information! What's a 'completely stocked reef tank"?

What are your param's
tank size?
sump size?
filters?
livestock?

you can always use the search tool to read up on some past threads as well!

 

Tests have shown that glass canopies can reduce light by around 20% and splash guards by about 7%. Definitely replace the glass with a screen. Check out the clear screen that bulb reef has.

 

You could use black egg crate as long as you don't have MH to worry about heat issues.