Glass canopies

[rsarvis]

What do people think about glass canopies? I understand that one major drawback is that you have to constantly clean the salt build-up. How often do you need to do this, realistically? I suppose another drawback is the light loss with each layer of material b/t the light and the water, even when the glass is clean. On the other hand, I suppose the glass would and shield the water form the heat of the lamps and help keep evaporation down?

 

I'm inclined to get glass canopies at the moment. Although I'm considering egg crate, I'm shying away form the idea; and I'm not a fan of big hoods (for aesthetic reasons). I'd appreciate people's thoughts on the matter. I'm sure there are advantages/disadvantages I haven't considered.

 

Thanks.

[Rascal]

I suppose the glass would ... shield the water from the heat of the lamps and help keep evaporation down?

 

No to the first and yes to the second. The glass will work as a greenhouse - trapping infrared radiation (i.e.--heat) inside your tank. It will also decrease the amount of air movement over the top of your tank, lessening both gas exchange and evaporation. End result -- a hotter tank, among other things.

 

If you don't want a hood, just mount your light fixtures over the open tank top.

[BeltwayBandit]

I have 2 that you can borrow to try out. I have an AGA 120 (same form factor just 2' less width). I used to use them but got tired of cleaning them.

[extreme_tooth_decay]

I think the biggest downside for me is trapping all the C02 in there and decreasing oxygen

exchange.

 

tim

[jason the filter freak]

You will have to clean them nearly daily, you'll see a very high spike in heat, among other things, but you can try to find out for your own experiences