[das04j]

I am currently running 5 x 39w HOt5 and i have a glass canopy . I heard that if i remove the canopy that i will get more light penetration. does anyone know if this is true?

[pogodzib]

Yes, it is true. Having a glass canopy will cut down on light by anywhere from 8-20%, depending on how dirty it is. If you decide to remove the glass, just make sure that your bulbs are high enough so they don't get splashed.

[das04j]

is putting egg crate atop the tank better than the glass canopy?

[PastorKDS]

It depends on the purpose. The glass helps prevent evaporation and splashes onto hot mights, but gets dirty and causes build up.

The eggcrate would prevent jumpers but not all splashes or evaporation. Plus it would block a great deal of light.

If you are concerned about jumpers, one cheaper solution is to buy a cheap fishing net at a bait store and cut it off and use it over your tank.

[pogodzib]

IMO, yes. Tests have shown that egg crate doesn't reduce the light at all.

[das04j]

well also if i was to take off the canopy, i would get alot of salt creep on the bulbs? right? any thoughts of how to fix or prevent?

[pogodzib]

You will only get salt creep on areas that get splashed or water runs across. If your bulbs are high enough where they don't get splashed, they will not get salt creep on them.

[rocky]

I have read that glass block 60% of UV light; acrylic blocks 40% and poly carbonate block 20%. I can't remeber where on the internet I read this but it does seem high considering how successful my acrylic CoraLife canopy is - 120 watts over a 30 gallon. Corals have outgrown the tank and I am now in the process of setting up a 90 gallon reef.

rocky