thanks for all the input...So Matt, you would recommend a glass top? I have thought about doing a glass top and since i am in the window business it would be easy for me to get my hands on a custom cut piece of glass...I will think about it..i just hate the look of the glass after it gets mildewy..and ugly and dont want to clean it all the time...

kris

A glass top filters out too much light IMHO. It depends on what kind of lights you use too.

In the T5 vs PC thread, one of the members makes a very knowledgeable post about how much light enters the aquarium with regards to depth and type of lighting. Thusly, a glass top is less distracting than holey eggcrate, but it takes away even more efficiency of the lighting.

actually glass blocks less light than you think, I did a test with a sheet of glass about a year ago and posted the results.. basically it wasn't even worth worrying about with 1/4" glass as it was almost no difference on the PAR level.

the problem that glass does present is it retains heat.

Steve

Really? Hmmm, thanks for informing. I was always under the impression that glass tops blocked quite a bit. Although, since I am using T5s, I try to get as much light as possible.

What about using reflective egg crate ?

The reflective paint on that egg crate flakes off. I wouldn't want that falling in my tank.

I have the coralife 2-96W lighting fixture so for me i am guessing the less obstruction the best..i have a 33 G tank. So it isnt that deep.24 inches..so i may just go the egg crate route, but i stopped by Rona tonight and they didnt have it..anyone on the lower mainland seen any at any stores lately...

thanks

kris

Got some at Home depot