Light baffles for SW tank overflows

[austinsdad]

6 ft long tank, twin overflow chambers. Looking to find or fabricate something that'll keep the 840w lights (or whatever portion over the overflows) from creating all kinds of growth in my overflows.

I'm thinking something black and heat absorbent mounted on the canopy that blocks huge amounts of light from entering the overflow chambers.

Any thoughts or experience to share on this concern of mine?

 

[dskidmore]

Opaque white would be better. Reflect the light back up into the reflectors instead of converting it to heat.

 

[austinsdad]

Thanks.

 

[ohio reefer]

i used aluminum foil over mine. it worked!

hth

mark

 

[austinsdad]

No problem with heat/reflectivity? Didja cover the top like you would leftovers - I mean actually laid it on the top of the chamber?

 

[ohio reefer]

no problems at all i used the more dull side of the foil. yep, just laid it on top of the chamber and crinkled it over the edge

 

[austinsdad]

Thanks. I'm also starting to think that growth in there 'cause of the lights might not be such a bad thing. Sittin' on the fence on that one.

 

[dskidmore]

Thanks. I'm also starting to think that growth in there 'cause of the lights might not be such a bad thing. Sittin' on the fence on that one.

Depens on the type of standpipe you have. A stockman could get clogged by a mass of algae or such. A durso or open pipe is open enough to allow such to pass. You could use the overflow area like a refugium if there aren't any clogging issues.

 

[ohio reefer]

that was my problem it was problem it was getting clogged. i don't have durso.