lighting upgrade

[Hookjaw]

I have recently changed my lighting from a single 175W 5500k phillips blub to a dual 175w 10000k Ushio lighting system. I am continuing to use two t3 attinic NO tubes to complete the daylight cycle. I've upgrade the light hood to accomodate 4" fans and raised the hight of the bulbs to 10-12 inches above the water. Heat is not a problem.

My question is should I use an acrilic cover over the top of the tank or leave it open? Is there a benifit? I'm also looking for an affordable set of light reflectors. Does anybody have any suggestions where to find the best deal?

Thanks for any help
Al

[sumpfinfishe]

Al,
Welcome to Canreef once again, hopefully we see you more this time around!
You may have also wanted to mention that your lighting a 60gl reef that is
20"deep.

Brad- thanks for the PM
Jack- thanks for the fan info

Here's a few pics too

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Hookjaw

My question is should I use an acrilic cover over the top of the tank or leave it open?

Thanks for any help
Al

leave it open as you are getting some evaporation which is keeping your heat minimal. also if you cover it you will be cleaning it every few days and the other pain in the a** is you will have to remove it ever time you need to do something which at some points could be several times a day.

Steve

[sumpfinfishe]

Does anyone else have anymore suggestions for Al regarding his cover and the pros or cons wether he should keep it or loose it

Also were off to J & L's in the morning to get reflectors, unless anyone knows of a better place to buy them

[Namscam]

perhaps a hyrdoponic store or HD

[robbyville]

Hey Al, is your tank glass or acrylic?

I always believe in keeping the top open for cooling and gas exchange. However if your tank is acrylic and you are using single ended bulbs, I have been told that you should consider some type of UV shielding between the bulbs and top of the acrylic tank. Apparently UV can compromise the integrity of the material. I'm not sure why this is not the case with dbl ended bulbs.

Also, if you have any jumpers in your tank, you may consider putting some eggcrate on top of it. This would allow you to keep the fish in, and maintain cooling/gas exchange.

HTH!

Rob

[BCOrchidGuy]

Richie, the best deal I've found at a hydroponics store was $45 for a reflector, it was a hammered flat silver finish, not the polished aluminum finish you get on the reflectors from J & L.

I like the optimal reflector, myself, good price at $42 I think.

Doug