Acrylic Shield for Tek Light T5?

[jipps]

If my tank already has glass insert as covers, do I still need to purchase the Acrylic shield for the Tek Light T5?

[Tim224DT]

Meaning your tank has a glass top? I am a little tired tonight....


Tim

[jipps]

Yeah they fit on top of the tank and have the joint so you can open em halfway-ish

[BGJ223]

How are your corals reacting to the light? If they are not looking all that pretty (meaning shriveled up) Then you might want to consider putting a shield up. If they look fine, then I wouldn't worry about it.

[jipps]

Oh I have nothing but rock and sand as of yet. I would imagine the acrylic shield would be to protect the lights from exposure to water, and I'm wondering if the glass lids are enough protection.

[motorslave]

The glass lids arent to good for the tank. They will create heat issues and prevent beneficial gas exchange at the water surface.

R

[theplatypus]

I've never heard of a need for uv shielding when using flourescent lights.

[jipps]

So I'd be fine with the lights and the mounting brackets? My concern is all the talk I've seen about switching and replacing the endcaps for waterproof ones. So maybe the acrylic shield is an alternative?

[motorslave]

problem would be that the shield would get salt build up from splash and that would diminish light. The flour bulbs dont get hot like a MH and I dont think they throw the UV of a double ended MH bulb. The bulbs will get some salt on them but just wipe them down now and then.

R

[VWD]

I agree with the bulbs don't need a UV shield.