glass covers you or nay

[Reef Lobster]

So who uses glass tops? Why or why not. Do you think they really can block light and par specifically? I personally think any light loss is worth the evaporation prevention and keeping the water sterilized from dust.

 

[lnevo]

Care more about gas exchange than PAR loss. Evaporation is a good thing.

 

[edd]

i use screen covers.
from my under standing, your tank needs to vent off nitrogen gases, and let off heat.
evap is automatic, just fill the reservoir so no bother.

 

[Reef Lobster]

My sump is not covered it's in a stand with custom ventilation to remove humidity and fans. I keep glass tops on my dt for open top reasons

 

[lnevo]

So that negates your dust and evaporation objection...

 

[DallasNYC]

If you keep the glass clean, I think the PAR loss is negligible.
I have a screen top, because It helps keep the tank cooler.
I would think the screen has a slightly bigger PAR loss.
Do you have dust filters on your cabinet air inlets?

 

[oh207]

Nay

 

[lnevo]

Just found this link on another forum. I would say based on that (without further evidence or research...mind you) that I would toss those glass tops asap.

All glass will reflect all UV rays. As applied to aquarium lighting, glass will reflect the upper end of the spectrum (the blues and violets) the most, in the order of around 10-20% depending on thickness.

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/lighting/11724-spectral-loss-through-glass.html

 

[Dan_P]

Fish only tank.

Glass top installed to keep the animals in the water, dust and cat hair out. Water circulates to the sump vigorously so aeration is not a problem (sump water filtered before returning to the tank which pulls out cat hairs). Glass covers can cut down on evaporation rate. Glass typically absorbs some UV (can't get a good tan indoors) and does not pass infrared so well either (greenhouse effect). Cyano and algae grow just as well with glass. Glass can get "dirty" with salt and precipitation and this can substantially cut down on light if it is not cleaned off regularly.

My take, glass is OK if it is cleaned regularly and evaporation rate is not an issue.

 

[dacaptain78]

They just become another maintenance chore so I would not suggets using them. Screen tops are pretty much a set and forget. They take a half hour or less to make and look better in my opnion.