How Much Light is Lost Through Frosted Glass?

[nismo400]

I have a Fluval Spec 2 gallon pico and I wanted to mount a JBJ Nano Glo on the back of it and put a refugium where the stock filter sponge would normally go.

The only problem is that the back glass is frosted. Would the amount of intensity lost make the JBJ Glo worthless? If not, I think the spec would make a PERFECT pico with refugium combo.

 

[Anonymous]

I have one that worked really well, but I'd think the frosted glass would cut down the light a lot. Worst case is you could try it and if the macro doesn't grow just go back to the other setup

 

[nismo400]

yeah, that's true, but i don't know if i'm ready to take a $60 risk 8O

 

[Anonymous]

Ah, there is that. Though I usually just throw more money away by starting another tank :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

frosting can make a big difference. I would guess it is at least 20% to 40%. Light bulb used to be frosted, but it is much thinner, and not a big cut on the intensity.

 

[nismo400]

I went ahead with my idea and i'm glad i did. there is plenty of light penetration for cheato. i'm going to do a DIY LED fixture later this week. Does anyone have any suggestions for a heatsink that's an appropriate size?

here are some crappy cell+magnifying glass(ghetto macro, lol) phone pics for now.

This is a top view pic with the refugium light on, which i will keep off during the day. As you can see there is PLENTY of light going through the frosting. Don't mind that male sexy shrimp he's just being sexy.

 

[Anonymous]

rapidled.com has a good selection of heat sinks

 

[Anonymous]

For a 2 gallon pico it would be cheapest to use par30/38s.