Fish tank top? - Page 2

WVfishguy · 11/14/2018, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homer1475

Light diffuser/eggcrate exactly what it is. Go to lowes or HD and look for it, it's in the lighting section and labeled light diffuser. It's meant to go on industial lighting fixtures, and it is large enough for fish to jump through.

That's exactly what I use, and don't have a single salt water fish which could make it through there. Even small clowns would bang their little heads pretty bad. I've never had a single jump, and I've been using it for a long time. I learned about it from other aquarists.

I also cannot tell the difference in light from a bare top to the egg crate. The inverts don't seem to either. It's actually made NOT to restrict light. I should have called a "lighting panel" NOT a diffuser.

Because of scratches and salt spray, I've found egg crate restricts light less than glass or plastic.

Tastee · 11/15/2018, 12:32 AM

I use an Artfully Acrylic custom top with Acrylic mesh (1/4”). No noticeable impact on light intensity, 98% open for gas exchange, aesthetically great. Not cheap but a quality product.

BRS sells DIY versions.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

alton · 11/15/2018, 06:46 AM

When I had my 300 I used the BRS screen that I purchased from my LFS. It worked great never lost a jawfish, the only issue was the screen was not UV rated and I had to replace every couple of years which was no big deal but I went through two Trane fan blower motors on my ac. Since going to my 180 with glass tops no issues. In my office I have always had either a glass top or Poly carbonate to help with dust and cleaning people.

EMeyer · 11/15/2018, 08:15 AM

Why would anyone use plexiglass/acrylic instead of glass for this application? More expensive and much worse light transmission.

My tank top is a piece of glass I bought at HD and cut to order. I think it cost $8. Perfect light transmission, cheap, no holes for jumpers.

I hear the concerns about gas exchange but if you have a sump and a skimmer (and why wouldnt you?), you already have more than enough gas exchange.

WVfishguy · 11/15/2018, 02:44 PM

Besides breaking, glass tops get a cloudy/milky haze over time. But for $8, I guess you could replace it.

dkevink · 11/18/2018, 01:34 AM

People put light diffuser on their lights, so why would this be a bad thing. You would have to have very small fish to jump threw the holes.

11/15/2018, 12:32 AM	#27
Tastee Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 277	I use an Artfully Acrylic custom top with Acrylic mesh (1/4”). No noticeable impact on light intensity, 98% open for gas exchange, aesthetically great. Not cheap but a quality product. BRS sells DIY versions. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

11/15/2018, 06:46 AM	#28
alton Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zuehl, Texas Posts: 4,460	When I had my 300 I used the BRS screen that I purchased from my LFS. It worked great never lost a jawfish, the only issue was the screen was not UV rated and I had to replace every couple of years which was no big deal but I went through two Trane fan blower motors on my ac. Since going to my 180 with glass tops no issues. In my office I have always had either a glass top or Poly carbonate to help with dust and cleaning people.

11/15/2018, 08:15 AM	#29
EMeyer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 173	Why would anyone use plexiglass/acrylic instead of glass for this application? More expensive and much worse light transmission. My tank top is a piece of glass I bought at HD and cut to order. I think it cost $8. Perfect light transmission, cheap, no holes for jumpers. I hear the concerns about gas exchange but if you have a sump and a skimmer (and why wouldnt you?), you already have more than enough gas exchange.

11/15/2018, 02:44 PM	#30
WVfishguy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Huntington, WV Posts: 677	Besides breaking, glass tops get a cloudy/milky haze over time. But for $8, I guess you could replace it.

11/18/2018, 01:34 AM	#31
dkevink Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 51	People put light diffuser on their lights, so why would this be a bad thing. You would have to have very small fish to jump threw the holes.