UV From Metal Halides

[sleeman]

I have no glass or acrylic between my bulbs and water. Should I have something as a UV barrier? I like the tought of putting the glass tops on to cut down on evaporation.

Cheers,
Al

[Stretch]

Are your bulbs DE? If there are then you need a glass filter. If you use the Acrylic iy will melt


if they are SE you don't need glass filters, If you use glass filters the amount of light going into the tank will be less and less over time, plus you will have worse gas exchange in the tank.

[BCOrchidGuy]

My understanding is that with a DE bulb there isn't the outter case to provide UV protection, while with Single Ended bulbs (Moguls) the outter case or glass provides the UV protection.

Doug

[sleeman]

You bet, I am using SE bulbs.
Would you not get enough gas exchange between the overflow and skimmer? Although I am not running a skimmer
I am going through about 2 -3 gals of water a day on a 75 with a 33 sump.


Cheers,

Al

[Stretch]

You would still get gas exchange, but it would be alot better without glass on top of your tank.

2-3 gallons isn't that bad, it about the same amount my tank goes though.

[kuatto]

I thought you picked up a skimmer?Gotta get down to see your tank soon.

Jim

[sleeman]

E-bay loser. It has been two weeks and he has not replied to any emails. Too good to be true. For those out of the loop, I got a Bullet 1 and little giant 3 for 250 bucks but the seller looks like he got cold feet.
I have never had any problems on Ebay, and am afraid to post a negative response for fear of retaliation.

Back to waiting for a crappy blemished euro reef.

Al

[kuatto]

that's too bad .Next time I'm talking to Victor I'll see what he has for skimmers(think he's got a few )

[Quinn]

Less evaporation also equals less heat dissipation, something to keep in mind.

[Doug]

http://www.aquarium-design.com/reef/uvlighting.html