What kind of cover do you use on your tank, if any?

[ufotofu]

Poll below...feel free to describe your setup. I'm weighing my options now that I've splurged on lighting.

 

[Anonymous]

I removed my glass tops a year ago and installed egg crate. My temp dropped two degrees, better gas exchange, and IMO, it lets just as much light in, if not more. Also keeps the jumpers in.

 

[Snowboarda42]

I have only lights right now, I'm trying to stay away from buying any jumpers, but they looks so cool. So i might have to do egg crate eventually...

 

[bleedingthought]

Canopy with nothing in between. Keeps critters and light in and temperature out.

 

[Len]

Canopy with a plastic "fence" for the open back (to keep fish in).

 

[fcmatt]

the mh have UV glass, but that is about it. everything is contained
in a wooden hood with a large 10 inch fan going 24 hours a day.

even my sump sits out on a lower table with no cover. but has
no lights.

 

[ufotofu]

Just wondering...thanks for the response so far.

I bought a Outer Orbit with the 250W HQI and 4xT5s so I'm considering my options for lighting. That eggcrate idea sounds like a winner! Thanks!! You say it doesn't adversly affect the lighting at all? No shadow grids - :wink:

I peered into the canopy at one of the LFSs yesterday to find only MH reflectors with NO UV shielding glass and no glass top. I quickly averted my eyes, but are there bulbs out there with UV shielding built into the glass bulb? Just wondering b/c they had a nice looking Discosoma rock that I'd like to have, but I wonder how the possible lack of UV shielding would affect it. It looked very healthy at least.

 

[fcmatt]

be warned right now. eggcrate in a nutrient high tank will
grow algae like nobody's business. you better have snails
ready to eat it. anywhere light shines on that white surface,
algae instantly grows even in water with 1-3 ppm nitrates.

 

[fcmatt]

i have often been told that only double ended bulbs require
the uv shielding. but imagine my 150 DE only has a piece of
glass in front of it.. not even close to forcing all the light through
the glass...

it only runs for an hour or two tho.. my advice can be wrong!

 

[bleedingthought]

Canopy with a plastic "fence" for the open back (to keep fish in).

Eggcrate?