My new swirl!

UnseenTric · 05-09-2002, 02:41 PM

Ahhh....Jeff's exotic fish store delivered my new 3/4" seaswil today! woo-hoo!
Quick question:
Is there some trick to getting my glass canopy cover on with the swirl fastened to the side of the glass? It appears that I might have to take an inch off the glass to get it to sit in the molding...

Anybody experience this and what was your solution?
Pete

beach bum · 05-09-2002, 03:00 PM

A) don't use the glass tops
B) take it to a glass cutter and have them shave an inch off for you
or
C) Mount it on the back wall of the tank instead

I would choose A or C. Many reefers don't use the glass tops because it can hinder surface oxygen exchange, lead to temp. increases, and reflects light away from the tank.

Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Rick O · 05-09-2002, 07:17 PM

Hi Pete. I don't have any experience with sea swirls but I wanted to chime in on what beach bum said. The glass tops can do more harm than good for the reasons b.b. stated. If you're worried about keeping your fish in the tank then consider using eggcrate (lighting diffusers). to cover the tank. Eggcrate is cheap and cuts easily with wire cutters. If you're not familiar with what eggcrate is I'll be glad to post a picture.

pcmankey · 05-09-2002, 09:40 PM

If I put a Sea Swirl on my return which is about 450gph at the top of the tank (i.e. including 4 ft head) what will the flow be reduced to? Also, I would like to see a picture of the eggcrate--it makes me nervous seeing the lights hanging inches away from the water. Thanks.

Doug1 · 05-09-2002, 09:45 PM

light reduction for the opposing L fittings but not much

Rick O · 05-10-2002, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pcmankey
Also, I would like to see a picture of the eggcrate--it makes me nervous seeing the lights hanging inches away from the water. Thanks.

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you with the pic. You can find this in the lighting department at Home Depot.

pcmankey · 05-10-2002, 07:13 PM

That stuff looks perfect. Thanks!

balakoth · 05-10-2002, 10:19 PM

Here's the problem, I have this thing with water + lights = bad things. My glass top keeps the lights safely from heavy condensation and any splashing that may occure. Looks like great stuff, but how does it help me save light bulbs and expensive lighting equipment from water if it jujst lets it all through?

At this point I care a bit more about 400 bucks worth of lights over how bad my ogygen exchange is, which is why I have been sceptical to remove the glass.. Any here that can cure my worries or at least backup this Eggcrate stuff with some legitament reasons on how not to destroy my lights with water? :P

Thanks.

- Joe

pcmankey · 05-10-2002, 10:47 PM

I haven't decided yet what I'm going to do, but I'm afraid for heat reasons alone, at least in the summer, I will take off the glass. I am not concerned in the least w/ oxygen exchange--I have a sump. It is very hot where I live and will have to have the evaporative cooling. But your right, the guy where I bought my lights said that there is more light blocked when the glass is removed because of salt and everything else that gets on the bulbs and relfectors. I took the glass off to see what it was like for a week and there is already build up on the bulbs and relfectors, but I love the access to the tank. I will use the eggcrate in the summer when I most likely will have to take it off.

Rick O · 05-11-2002, 05:50 AM

I guess it all depends on how far your lights are from the waters surface. I have MH so they are several inches higher than the would be if they were PC or VHO. I don't get any water on them. The fans in the hood keep any condensation from forming on them. OTOH, The ballasts are remotely located and the endcaps are waterproof so if a little water did get on the bulbs it wouldn't harm the lights. My tank temps are already running 84 degrees in the summer so I need to do everything possible to keep the tank cool.