Eggcrate Tank Cover?

[nyc reefer]

I'm curious if using eggcrate steal light from the tank? And does eggcrate have a side that faces down towards the bottom of the tank? It seems to me that swapping the glass tops for the eggcrate dimmed the amount of light gettng to the bottom.

 

[Reef Reaper]

The eggcrate does not steal light from the tank, it just diffuses the light a little. Flip the egg crate and may be you like way the light enters the tank!

 

[Dre]

I read an article about 10 years ago that eggcrate increases light if used correctly thats what it's made for.There is a up side and a down side.I used some last year on my 120 gal to reduce some heat.If you can get your hands on a light meter you could make your analiysis.I used the white one but i have seen the aluminum looking one in home depot.

 

[nyc reefer]

Eggcrate

I read an article about 10 years ago that eggcrate increases light if used correctly thats what it's made for.There is a up side and a down side.I used some last year on my 120 gal to reduce some heat.If you can get your hands on a light meter you could make your analiysis.I used the white one but i have seen the aluminum looking one in home depot.

I cut a piece for my bowfront and noticed shadows in my tank. I did the change to eggcrate to prevent heat build-up during the summer months.

 

[Dre]

The article i read on eggcrate was from the FAMA magazine. The experiment was done with MH at various hights with a light meter.

 

[FocusReefing]

I would think the grid structure of the eggcrate would create a more direct light, and stop it from spreading. Each square in the eggcrate will channel light in a straight direction instead of a cone shape as light naturally travels. In photography we use grids over lights to create a more controlled spot light effect. So I would imagine it would work in a similar way with eggcrate & tank lighting, but dont hold me to this. Its just speculation.

 

[nyc reefer]

I would think the grid structure of the eggcrate would create a more direct light, and stop it from spreading. Each square in the eggcrate will channel light in a straight direction instead of a cone shape as light naturally travels. In photography we use grids over lights to create a more controlled spot light effect. So I would imagine it would work in a similar way with eggcrate & tank lighting, but dont hold me to this. Its just speculation.

Thanks for getting back to me. I guess I'll just have to get used to the new look. One more question if I place fans on top of the eggcrate blowing away from the water surface or blowing towards the back of the tank? Which one would you recommend?