New T5's and I need a lid....help!

[mdaniel2882]

I just got my T5 HO lights and they are amazing. I know the best thing is to leave the top open but I have a wrasse and a 3 year old boy. he hasn't tried to put anything in the tank yet but I know it is only a matter of time. I was going to use glass lids until I put one of them on and noticed how much light the "clear" glass blocked. is there a better solution to my problem. I don't want a canopy for this tank. Is low Iron glass better. maybe acrylic or should I just go to Home Depot and get egg crate. I don't really like the look of the egg crate but if that is the only thing that will light through so be it.

 

[InfernoST]

You can pick up what they call reflective egg crate @ home depot, it's used in fluorescent fixtures. I couldn't find it on the HD home page (The web page stinks) but here is a link to what it looks like so you can get an idea of what it looks like.Malcolite Plastics | Parabolic Louvers I know the depot has it.

 

[Zer0]

Thats an amzing idea!! I think i might do that as well when i need to cover my tank. I really want to get an eel so thats why i need a lid. Great find infernoST

 

[InfernoST]

Thats an amzing idea!! I think i might do that as well when i need to cover my tank. I really want to get an eel so thats why i need a lid. Great find infernoST

I wish it was my idea, it's one of the many thing I learned on AA.

One thing I almost forgot was I'm not sure they will stand up to the heat from MH lamps.

 

[mdaniel2882]

crate worked great. thanks

 

[InfernoST]

Anytime, I'm happy it worked out for you.

 

[thincat]

The reason for the open top and not using glass is that glass traps CO2 gas and that would cause a large drop in your PH.
Remember that egg crate has a top and a bottom, One side has a bevel that shoots the light straight down and the other side diffuse the light causing less light to enter your tank.

 

[severum mama]

This is what we did, it doesn't noticeably block any light at all.
Light Friendly Screen Cover For Open Top Tanks-With Pics. - Atlanta Reef Club Forums

 

[thincat]

You can also add a 1/4" netting. You can buy the aluminum frames at HomeDepot and it's very good at letting air in and CO2 out.
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I think innovator has a link for the netting.
Fairly easy to make, even for a person like me with all thumbs.