Splash Cover over tank

[warforged]

I have a 55 gallon tank with the Odysea Hood (445watt) MH with Compacts.

Its not the full length of my tank.. currently I have a wood support structure shaped like a upside down letter T on both ends to prop up my light 9" from the water surface.

Question 1: Is the distance too far from the water surface with the hood

#2 I want to buy a plexi or glass sheet to go over in between below the light to prevent splash ups
a. if i go glass can I use Wax on the glass surface facing the water to prevent the crusty build up from water evaporation...

b if i go plex can I wax also and how thick should it be to not Warp due to the Metal halide heat?

Thanks hope you all can help or even suggest other ideas.

 

[DonW]

8 to 10" is fine for most halides. If you cover the top you limit gas exchange, not a good idea.

Don

 

[warforged]

8 to 10" is fine for most halides. If you cover the top you limit gas exchange, not a good idea.

Don

Good to see you Don. And ok...if thats fine for distance then no splash up guard needed...

Last question... can I cut that center plastic piece going across the middle of the top of my 55 gallon? its producing an annoying shadow down the center of my tank...

Any modifications I can do?

 

[DonW]

Good to see you Don. And ok...if thats fine for distance then no splash up guard needed...

Last question... can I cut that center plastic piece going across the middle of the top of my 55 gallon? its producing an annoying shadow down the center of my tank...

Any modifications I can do?

Dont know about cutting the brace. No shield necessary at that height. Just clean the ligh every now and again.

Don

 

[g0rFz]

ive read not to cut the brace but on my 55 the brace has been gone for nearly a year and it hasnt collapsed, so i dont know how vital it is

 

[jake65]

When I had my 65g my brace broke and I just replaced it with a stip of 1/4" acrylic. That way you still have the strength of the bracing there and it also lets some light thru in that area.

 

[warforged]

When I had my 65g my brace broke and I just replaced it with a stip of 1/4" acrylic. That way you still have the strength of the bracing there and it also lets some light thru in that area.

Thanks for the input. I may just do that.. Now its how to mcgyver this into a tank already stocked without breaking anything...and or flooding my living room.

 

[miwoodar]

I wouldn't cut the brace and not replace it. If you have a glass tank, it's best to use glass for the replacement. I removed mine as shown in the photo below. I siliconed a piece of 1/4" glass under the existing brace, waited a few days, then used a garden hachet (the mass is key) heated on the stove to melt through the plastic brace. Easy as pie. No cutting motion was required.

 

[warforged]

I wouldn't cut the brace and not replace it. If you have a glass tank, it's best to use glass for the replacement. I removed mine as shown in the photo below. I siliconed a piece of 1/4" glass under the existing brace, waited a few days, then used a garden hachet (the mass is key) heated on the stove to melt through the plastic brace. Easy as pie. No cutting motion was required.

Great idea with the melting through

 

[Sascha D]

About 10 years ago I had the plastic brace on my 55g break. The tank had an terrible bow in the front. I would definately replace it as described above if you wan to change it.