I want to exercise the no dumb question rule

[abigtroutt]

My tank came with the glass cover on top that I'm still using. I see most reef tanks with metal halide lighting with out the glass tops. Is that to let the full spectrum of light through or is there something I'm missing? and since i'm still using mine should I take it off?? The reason I thought was to keep dust and other stuff from getting into the tank.

[Cuda]

Good question and I responded just so I could get emails on the answers. Sorry I couldn't help.

[leveldrummer]

im not a MH user, so im not sure, but i THINK it is because the heat generated from the mh lights, most people remove the lid for more evaporation, so the water cools better.... i THINK!

[abigtroutt]

I run a 5" fan directly into the sump and I'm adding about 1/2 gal of water a day for evaporation. My temp is about 80 deg

[mtfatwork]

it is to not block any of the light, or prevent evaporation, but most just do it cause the tops get dirty fast and then it does block a good ammount of light, plus, those plastic creases in the glass will eventually crack from the heat.

[leveldrummer]

****! i thought i was learning. im so stupid!!
maybe ill go listen to dashboard confessional and cut my self.

[Cuda]

I had heard the same thing but didn't know if that was the main reason or not, but my wife wants to use to glass to reduce any odors in the main house. Since that will increase the heat, I just ordered a 1/4 hp chiller from Jenn. I guess I'll just have to add dusting to my list of maintenance issues.

[Geoff]

wow, if you think that is a dumb question, than i do not want to know what you think of a motorslave question.

it is a good idea to remove the glass/plastic covers on the tanks. like has been said, it impedes evaporation and will eventually be encrusted with salt creep, cutting your light into the tank. it also harms the gas exchange between the tank and the rest of the room. this can lead to pH problems. if the gas exchange is impeded than the pH can be driven down by increases in CO2 in the tank.

G~

[Cuda]

I hope you don't mind me jumping in on your thread Abigtroutt?

Geoff, will the fact that I have my sump in the basement offset the co2/PH issue with the lids on? I'll have about 1000 gph flow from the sump.

[Doug1]

What Geoff said plus the light shining thru the glass imparts a greenhouse effect , in effect trapping heat under the glass , raising tank temps, and gas exchange, all in all a bad thing.
A cycled reef tank should produce no noticable nasty smell, so using the covers to prevent that create more problems than solved

[Doug1]

Originally Posted by Geoff

wow, if you think that is a dumb question, than i do not want to know what you think of a motorslave question.

it is a good idea to remove the glass/plastic covers on the tanks. like has been said, it impedes evaporation and will eventually be encrusted with salt creep, cutting your light into the tank. it also harms the gas exchange between the tank and the rest of the room. this can lead to pH problems. if the gas exchange is impeded than the pH can be driven up by increases in CO2 in the tank.

G~

Geoff, I think you meant that trapped CO2 will drive pH DOWN

[Geoff]

Originally Posted by Doug1

Geoff, I think you meant that trapped CO2 will drive pH DOWN

yea, Kelli PM'd me on my brainfart!!

i changed it so hopefully it will not be confusing in the future.

thanks Doug,

G~

[abigtroutt]

Well now I have some work to do, I need to hang my lights from the ceiling, and remove my glass top! Thanks to all of you for the advise…..TRT rules!