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Will eggcrate allow more light pentration or will it defeat the purpose? I have heard it shades the tank some? I use glasstops and I was just wondering which is best?
glass tops shade the tank too something like 15% reduction in light penetration. I think I read something like that over at wetwebmedia. I'll try to find where it said it.
My new tank is open top and I like how it looks a lot better.
Over in Aquabotanic.com about a year or so ago, they discussed that there was recent testing that the eggcrate actually magnified the intensity of the light going into the aquarium. There was an article on this too in FAMA about a year or so ago.
If you have a canopy to hide your top make a frame the size of your opening get a piece of fine fishnet and stretch over it. No light reduction, protection for jumpers and all the benefits of going topless like no tan lines and gas exchange.
I remember reading on this site that the egg crate can magnify the light, but it has to be turned the right way. I use them on my FW tank and it seems to let in a lot more light than the glass. Lots more evaporation though.