Mesh tank lid/PAR output

[Daniel92481]

I was considering using the mesh lid that cane with my tank. Would I need to increase the Kessil 360X light intensity to compensate for the mesh screen? Or would it be too minor to make a difference?

 

[Idoc]

BRS did a test on whether the mesh covers reduced PAR levels. Their testing showed the reduction is so small it's negligible. They tested without a mesh covering and then with 1/8" and 1/4" mesh.

 

[Daniel92481]

Just what I was looking for. Thanks!

 

[Zoajohn]

I have an IM tank and the stock mesh cover seems to lower par by 40-50. It is thicker and more opaque than DIY screens

 

[Daniel92481]

I just watched the BRS video about the DIY mesh tops. Not much difference there, but like you said, the IM ones are thicker. I also have an IM tank/lid. I guess I can try it out and increase the intensity slowly if I need to. Thanks for the info!

 

[TTown918]

BRS did a test on whether the mesh covers reduced PAR levels. Their testing showed the reduction is so small it's negligible. They tested without a mesh covering and then with 1/8" and 1/4" mesh.

Hasn't been my experience at all. I have a Top Lid with their 1/8" black mesh and it drops PAR significantly compared to no lid at all. Huge difference.

 

[oreo54]

Hasn't been my experience at all. I have a Top Lid with their 1/8" black mesh and it drops PAR significantly compared to no lid at all. Huge difference.

Yes there is a big difference between clear mesh and black mesh. And the size of mesh.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/effects-of-various-aquarium-covers-on-light-transmission.736200/

 

[petcellar]

Hasn't been my experience at all. I have a Top Lid with their 1/8" black mesh and it drops PAR significantly compared to no lid at all. Huge difference.

Same here. I have the black mesh and there is a significant drop in PAR.

 

[TTown918]

Same here. I have the black mesh and there is a significant drop in PAR.

Yea, and in fact I regret getting it (error on my part listening to others that par wouldn't be impacted much) and am considering a different lid with clear, 1/4" spacing. Yes, more risk as to small fish but the PAR will be far less impacted. I don't want to have to crank the light any more than needed on my nano as the heat raining down from a Reefi Uno to get 250-300 par is a lot in any case.

 

[TTown918]

Doing a little PAR meter checking, I personally see a 25-30% PAR reduction. Everyone else's mileage may vary.

 

[Idoc]

Hasn't been my experience at all. I have a Top Lid with their 1/8" black mesh and it drops PAR significantly compared to no lid at all. Huge difference.

The BRS experiment was conducted with clear mesh covers, not the black (opaque) mesh. I would expect black mesh to also obstruct some light just like a screen over a window with sunlight.

 

[SeanNTX]

Doing a little PAR meter checking, I personally see a 25-30% PAR reduction. Everyone else's mileage may vary.

I did some PAR testing today and found the same thing. I have the Top Lid with black mesh and see an average of 30% less par with the lid vs. no lid. I achieve my desired par on my Radion XR30's at 55% peak, so it's not an issue, but definitely something to be very aware of.

 

[Peer.Boerner]

Appreciate the info. Just ordered a Top Lid after losing a clown fish. I’ve been running my lights at 70% so have some power to spare.