Lights over open water???

[margaritaville]

Why do just about all light manufacturers tell you not to use over open water?
What is the advantage of no top glass? oxygen, cooler temp?

 

[Bifferwine]

They tell you not to use it over open water because they don't want to be responsible if water splashes up into the light and causes a problem. I use mine over open water, I just have eggcrate cut to fit the top of my tank. Better gas exchange at the surface, better light penetration, better temperature control.

 

[margaritaville]

Would something like this work in my canopy?
eBay: 250 Watt Metal Halide Aquarium Light w/ 14 or 20k Bulb (item 170085486920 end time Mar-07-07 16:16:34 PST)

 

[Doc]

I have glass lids on my tank, I keep them clean weekly and don't use the plastic light guards on my PC's. I like to have the glass covers for several reasons: 1) I have small kids who like to throw balls, action figures, nerf-stuffs and would hate for anything to end up floating in my tank. 2) I don't have an R.O. unit to refill evaporated water and the glass helps keep the evaporation to a minimum. 3) I have active fish who startle each other and more than once have heard a swoosh, splash and dull "thud" of a startled fish jump up into the glass - gobies are notorious for it. The light penetration may not be as good, but the pay off of having a lid works for me. Up to you. Best of luck.

-Dr Marco:sfish:

 

[yote]

Would something like this work in my canopy?
eBay: 250 Watt Metal Halide Aquarium Light w/ 14 or 20k Bulb (item 170085486920 end time Mar-07-07 16:16:34 PST)

I dont see any reason that light system wouldnt work.Just make sure install a couple of fans on your canopy. 1 or 2 to draw in fresh air and 1 or 2 for exhaust.
Vent the exhaust out the top of the canopy and draw the fresh air through either the front,sides,or back. Shouldnt be a problem.

 

[margaritaville]

thanks for the replies!

 

[jhnrb]

If you are using Mh and the bulb experiances water splash you could experiance a failure of the bulb in the form of an explosion. the bulbs get very hot so I recommend a shield in some form weather it be a glass top or a shield between the light and the top of the water.

 

[AndyB4784]

also if you are going to go with a DE MH. be sure that you use the glass that comes with your reflectors. this helps to eliminate any harmful UV that is produced by these bulbs.

 

[Adrastos]

I use my lights over open water - my lights come with a "splash shield" that protect the actual lights from the water. They are most defintely needed - I have to clean it atleast once a week.

 

[JellyMan]

I use my lights over open water the only issue that I have found is that my water evaps quicker.