Screen Canopy and Light Question

[mell312]

The tank I have came a shattered glass canopy top that needs replacing. I'm debating between replacing with glass or with screen. If I replace it with glass, due to the weird tank size I will have to buy the hinge and have the glass custom cut. I'm currently working on getting quotes on the glass to see what the total cost for that would be. The screen would be much cheaper I think over all and I have read advantages and disadvantages for both.

If I go with the screen mesh, is it safe to use fluorescent lights that sit right across the top of tank and thus would be very close to the mesh? The BSR mesh is made of polypropylene and window screen mesh is made of fiberglass. Also...the light has no covering...will the salt evap on the lights cause issues with the lights? I'm leaning towards mesh depending on these answers. Otherwise I will go back to glass.

 

[mell312]

Bump.

 

[mfinn]

I stopped using a glass top on my tanks decades ago for several reasons.
Go with a screen top and figure a way to raise the light fixture up a couple inches off the screen.

 

[mell312]

Will the salt left on the lights from evaporation damage it though since they aren't enclosed? How can I lift the light safely without looking tacky?

 

[mfinn]

Will the salt left on the lights from evaporation damage it though since they aren't enclosed? How can I lift the light safely without looking tacky?

Hard to tell, not knowing what they look like.

 

[mell312]

I don't know much about lights but this is what I have.

 

[mfinn]

tough to tell how it's going to sit on your tank with that picture.

 

[mell312]

tough to tell how it's going to sit on your tank with that picture.

Oops...sorry. Meant to include this pic as well. I found the light online and evidently it came with brackets to lift it up some but the person who gave me the tank didn't give me the brackets. Will check and see if perhaps he still has them. Any options if he doesn't?

 

[pondman]

Maybe build a partial or even a full canopy to raise your lights

 

[mfinn]

IMO, that's too darn close to the water.
I would find a way to get the original legs for it, or make something.
Even if the light itself had a shield on it, I would want it to be at least 2"-3" up from the rim of the tank.

Also it may not be the right light for use on a reef tank.