Glass tops who's got them?

[ReeferBee]

Less then 10% reduction according to my par meter. Like I said I'm a lazy reefer

 

[Roy 9121]

Biggest pro and I am surprised it has not been mentioned. Splash up into your light fixture and less moisture getting into the guts of your light fixture to cause rusting, shorts, or blown LEDs.
And yes I have one.

Ive never had any of those problems.

 

[40B Knasty]

Ive never had any of those problems.

I have gone through 2 hoods from LED shorts in under a year for both and it doesn't smell to good when it does or when it is flashing for the week while trying to scramble to get a new one. NOW I don't have that problem.

 

[MicroPico]

I always cover my tanks. Pros: It keeps my pets in & prevents salt spray from getting on walls, etc. It keeps dust & other things from getting into the tank. It lessens water & pump noise. A major plus is it saves me alot of hassles with evaporation. Not too much salt creep with the way I do it...I first cover the top of the tank with plastic wrap (not taut but angled slightly so that the condensation runs & drips into the center, instead of down the outside of the tank). Then I put the glass top on. This prevents any salt discoloration or algae from growing on the glass because the plastic wrap is too flexible for it to adhere to. Been doing it this way for many years. Sometimes I vent the top by lifting it slightly with a plastic cap from a gallon jug when the temp gets too warm.
Cons: Sometimes heat can build up (I just open the lid slightly). Limited gas exchange (I have not found this to be a problem but I've never measured the difference. I just go by the looks of my coral. Light can get blocked by algae growth or salt stains on the glass but I mentioned how I prevent that.
This is what has worked for me for decades. I've mentioned a remedy for any cons I've listed that some might have issues with. Good luck with your choice.

 

[Murica]

My tops have about an inch on all three of them where there's a gap (to put wires through and what not) and two clowns a flame hawkfish and a diamond watchman goby still managed to escape from them. I honestly don't know how people don't have them. And yes my parameters are fine that's not the reason for the jumpers.

 

[Reefrookie220]

Auto Glass does but most other glass, especially tops made for aqaurium use, don't filter out much UV. Many folks say it greatly reduces par but this is also very negligible.

I have had glass tops on my reef for years. Originally purchased to keep my golden dwarf moray eel in the tank. No issues with pH, temp and even when dirty par reduction is very small

It blocks enough uv (A&B) that keeping one on a reptile tank can starve the animal, add 18in of water to the equation and I bet you'd be surprised to set how much it blocks.

Does it stop you from keeping coral? No. Does it affect light spectrum, without a doubt.

 

[ReeferBee]

Considering most halide fixtures, even SE, use glass covers I can't see this shift in spectrum being any problem what so ever. I realize DE halide require a glass uv filter but many reflectors, including my lumenbright, have glass covers. Can't really label this a con of glass covers.

 

[Roy 9121]

I have gone through 2 hoods from LED shorts in under a year for both and it doesn't smell to good when it does or when it is flashing for the week while trying to scramble to get a new one. NOW I don't have that problem.

No reason to get upset.

 

[40B Knasty]

No reason to get upset.

How does typing words about it actually happening as a real story to let others and you know it can happen, qualify me as being upset? You quoted me. I quoted you back to not be blind to the fact that it happens. I could see me being upset when I smelt 6 burning LEDs twice from experience hanging over water of a fish I have had for 3 years now that I most certainly love. But words on a forum, no need. Are you capital letter sensitive? Hahaha don't get upset. I was just emphasizing NOW it is not a problem for me anymore. It wasn't directed at you. Hence why it was a major pro to having a glass top.

 

[Reefrookie220]

Aquarium glass, tempered or not, was designed to block uv.

Your point of glass splash shields on halide, they use glass because MH would melt an acrylic shield.

It's definitely a con of glass tops, diffuesd light, a wonky spectrum, and having to scrape them every week to prevent further dissipation.

BRS screen top kit? Yes please!
I've got an ATO (most do) so why sweat the extra couple gallons a week?

 

[BlueCursor]

I had glass tops for 2 years. Eventually I got tired of cleaning them so I ditched them for mesh tops (I need to keep the wrasses in the tank). I have an ATO, so no issue with stopping evaporation. I can't say I noticed any change in anything except my cleaning time.

 

[abbas.jaffer5]

You might want to try an egg crate top. I bought a sheet and spray painted it black

 

[cromag27]

They also make egg crate (light diffuser) in black.

Another option is my stylish, original clear plastic lid design. definitely not as cheap as DIY though.

 

[Roy 9121]

How does typing words about it actually happening as a real story to let others and you know it can happen, qualify me as being upset? You quoted me. I quoted you back to not be blind to the fact that it happens. I could see me being upset when I smelt 6 burning LEDs twice from experience hanging over water of a fish I have had for 3 years now that I most certainly love. But words on a forum, no need. Are you capital letter sensitive? Hahaha don't get upset. I was just emphasizing NOW it is not a problem for me anymore. It wasn't directed at you. Hence why it was a major pro to having a glass top.

What is in your tank that is splashing water up on to your lights? I think i would address that problem.

 

[stevieduk]

I picked up a glass top for my reef today just wondering who uses them and is their any benifits/draw backs iv read some mixed reveiws. Just wanted to see yours and hear of any opinions regarding them

we use them here in the U.K. mainly to keep the water temperature up