Who uses eggcrate?

[jade2122]

Trying to get some opinions on putting eggcrate on top of my tank to help prevent any deadly jumps. My question is: Does it cut back on light getting to tank? I have 2-250 watt halides on my 65 and don't want anything restricting the light. Please give me some opinions

[hexedagain]

I use eggcrate on all of my frag tanks, and I do not see any loss of light with it.

[thor32766]

I know tangers does maybe he will chime in.

[chrisstie]

I do and it doesn't bother it at all really. If anything its so slight your corals wont notice.

If you're worried about fish that can fit through eggcrate I recommend using bridal veil on top of it.

[cowboyswife]

I use that black plastic gutter guard and it works well.

[jsl6v8]

I use eggcrate, and have no noticable light loss.

[jade2122]

thank everyone, guess i will be getting some more eggcrate soon.

[seth16]

and MAN that stuff is expensive, i could not do it, i stood in lowes for probably 20 minutes in front of the EC and ...i just couldnt do it...lol

[namwodahs]

I put some white egg crate on my tank after a blenny jumped and I notice that it does reflects some light back up so there will be some loss to the tank. It's more noticeable in the area not directly under the lights, but I'd rather lose a little light than more jumpy fish.

Here's a picture of my tank with the eggcrate. You can see how bright it is right there. (I have 1 250w right in the middle)

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namwodahs/1480423603/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1315/1480423603_a3addae4be.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="The 55 Gallon" /></a>

[jsl6v8]

I really don't remember the eggcrate being expensive seth, if you want some let me know I got a big thing of it left over from when I put together the 90g.

[WarDaddy]

In the last 3 years Egg Crate has gone from about $4 a sheet to $10 a sheet. Crazy!

Egg Crate will cause loss of light, it is blocking light, simple fact, however it may not be that noticeable to your eyes. Some corals will react, but you should be safe using it.

There are 2 sides to egg crate, it you look it is tapered, you want the thin side UP, This will focus the light more straight down. It will have a dramatic effect on "spread" if you are running halides. As the light spreads out further from going straight down more of the egg crate is blocking light. Having the narrow side up helps this some.

[lifesworksataol]

i have read that so many people still lost there little fish while using it, so i skipped it and went right for plexi!

[WarDaddy]

here is another option

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1231184&highlight=screen+top+mesh

[tangers]

I am actually weening away from the eggcrate. I used to use it. I have had losses with it. Wrasses, gobies, blennies, and hawkfish
WILL find the absolute smallest holes to jump out of. I also notice a huge difference with the lighting. Looks much better and much brighter with them off. Just my opinion. I am looking to completely seal off the back as opposed to the top.

[Swirlygig]

Heh,

I had a jumper...put some wax paper on the back of the canopy...no more deaths yet...my blue hippo did make it to the overflow though...we shall see if tinfoil fixed that lol...

Jeff