MH/Glass tops?

Herpn · #1 11/07/2007, 11:54 PM

Is anyone using a MH light with glass tops? I use a glass top with my T5 but I am concerned about using one with my MH. It is a clamp on 150 HQI and the light is about 6 inches from the water. I am would like to reduce evaporation. Not sure about loosing PAR and heat problems?

fishieness · #2 11/08/2007, 12:05 AM

you will definatly lose PAR and certainly heat problems. Evaporation is a good thing, espeicaly in smaller tanks. It keeps the temp down, reducing that might risk temperature problems.
I personaly dont like metal tops in the least, even without hot lights above.
why do you want one? Just curious. IF it's because of jumping fish, eggcrate is probably a better idea, IMO.

benray4fun · #3 11/08/2007, 01:13 AM

I'm running hqi's on a 90 with glass tops on. The center plastic will warp after a while (no big deal) , but it's still operational. Just keep the back portion open (no plastic cut out) and evaporation should be fine, you don't want a sealed unit.

My unit is 150w x 2 and 130x2 pc's, the unit is only a couple inches off the glass. Hope that helps

Herpn · #4 11/08/2007, 01:56 AM

Thanks guys. I dont want metal tops I have a glass top that I am looing to put on. I would still get a decent amount of evaporation just not the amount I am getting now. I am adding water every day or every other. Looking to cut down on maintence time. Thanks for the tip on the center hing.

Thanks again..

InsaneClownFish · #5 11/09/2007, 12:38 AM

I don't believe in glass tops in any way shape or form anymore. There are a myriad of reasons for this, but let's just say I'd rather live with the evaporation than all the problems associated with an "enclosed" system.

It seems like a pain, but evaporation and proper gas exchange is a very very good thing.

amcarrig · #6 11/09/2007, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by InsaneClownFish
I don't believe in glass tops in any way shape or form anymore. There are a myriad of reasons for this, but let's just say I'd rather live with the evaporation than all the problems associated with an "enclosed" system.

It seems like a pain, but evaporation and proper gas exchange is a very very good thing.

+1 No glass tops for me mostly because of heat and gas exchange issues.

Herpn · #7 11/10/2007, 07:16 PM

I have switched back and forth with them on my tanks that I use T5's on and they help keep the salt from getting all over the house. I do understand the air exchange. I was not sure if there was anyone using them with MH.

Thanks for the input...