Top idea to protect lights

[carlos_fb]

Since gas exchange is so important in a reef tank I’ve been thinking on alternatives on how to protect my lights and at the same time allow evaporation without using a glass top.

I like the idea of using eggcrate but since the biggest problem with that is salt creep accumulation in the lights, I was thinking that I could put nylon or something similar on top of the eggcrate to trap the salt creep. If it works it would be a very easy solution to that problem.

What do you guys think?

 

[Krish]

I think it may block out a lot of light especially seeing the eggcrate will do it all by itself anyways. Just a thought

 

[carlos_fb]

But do you think it would trap the salt creep? what do you use in your tanks Krish?

 

[Reefdaddy1]

Back in WW2 Nylons were used as Strainers, So saying it would catch salt creep I would say yes, But most Nylons have a color to them , they are not clear, so it would definately Block light.

 

[carlos_fb]

I have to use something, my lights are too close to the water, any other suggestion?

 

[Haole]

What kind of lighting system do you have?
Is it waterproof?
I have VHO’s at a little over an inch off the water with water proof end caps. It’s just become another maintenance routine to check and clean off the bulbs weekly which also in turn ensures my tank is getting the full impact from my lighting system.

 

[carlos_fb]

I have T5's and the end caps seem to be waterproof.

 

[Haole]

Water proof is actually a vague term for most end caps out there on the market. At least from my past experiences. Unless you actually silicone the bulb connections. I’m not familiar with T5 setups but I would guess the same would apply to them. Are the bulb ends sealed off in some way from possible splashing? If so, then I’d just chalk it up as usual maintenance to keep the bulbs clean at least on a weekly basis. You’ll get the best that your lights can offer if you minimize what’s between them and the tank. And from prior experiences, be sure that your lights can’t fall into your tank!

 

[Reefdaddy1]

Ice Cap makes a WP end cap. Its sealed with Gasket is pretty tight, I wouldnt worry to much about Water getting in there, Just clean the bulbs off as part of maintanance and call it a it day.

 

[Scooterman]

Yep If you wipe them down every week or other week with the German type end caps you should be ok, they are more water resistant, I wouldn't try dipping them in water, over time the heat reduces the rubber gaskets to cracking & eventually total failure, every two or three years i would replace the gaskets, easy & cheap!

 

[Krish]

But do you think it would trap the salt creep? what do you use in your tanks Krish?

I don't use anything...It's an open top