Will Condensation on Glass Tops Affect Light?

[sundog101]

I know that it's going to affect the light somewhat, but I'm curious if the water drops would act like lenses and create hotspots in the tank. Has anyone measured this or have any ideas?

 

[Lowell Lemon]

Condensation at this level will greatly reduce the efficency of your light system and prevent controlled results for you aquarium. Refraction sends the light waves in many directions lowering the penetration in the water column. You need to either vent better or use a screen top to improve the efficency of your light system.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Yes. But I don't worry about it.
If your on led you get less disco.

 

[reefwiser]

The main reason you don't see people using glass tops on Reef tanks is it cuts down on the light going into the tank and it hold heat in the tank water.

 

[mcarroll]

Yes. But I don't worry about it.
If your on led you get less disco.

I think I agree. The drops are convex, so they'd act as spreaders, not concentrators.

As long as the effect in the tank isn't visually "ugly" and corals are happy, I wouldn't worry.

However, one side effect of the moisture will be algae growth. That, you will have to worry about....and can be a pain to clean if you let it go. Just sayin.

 

[James G]

I have had condensation above my 100g reef for years, and had no ill effects. I have had both metal halides and LEDs above mine. As long as you keep algea off. The algea that grows on mine I feed my tangs, they seem to like it.