Please help...... Should i use the legs in my t5 lights?

[crister13]

I Want to maximize the light that gets into the tank.I have about 4" legs on my T5 fixture and a lot of light escapes into the room. I have eggcrate tops. Could I rest it on the eggcrate? The bulbs are exposed to air........ Would that be ok? They wouldn't get splashed. That way ALL the light would get into the tank.

 

[54seaweed]

I had same prob so I cut some plexi glass and panted it black
made shades to direct light in tank

 

[crister13]

Wouldn't the black absorb the light? I would prefer metal if I did something like this...... Hmmm......... Could I just rest it on the tank? It has 2 braces so weight is not an issue.

 

[54seaweed]

just keeps light from glowing in room and more towards the tank

 

[crister13]

Could I just rest it??? Does anyone know?

 

[54seaweed]

sitting it on top will just heat up water faster since there is no air between light and tank
causing tank temps to rise rapidly unless you have a chiller to help keep a steady temp

 

[crister13]

It will be about an inch or 1.5 inches from the surface. I think I'll try it. I have very good surface agitation so heat will escape easily. I'll see how it goes.

 

[54seaweed]

just keep a eye on it till you know it wont get to hot
just don't want to hear you cooked your fish lol
that wouldn't be good
been there done that