Tropical Fish Keeping banner

Egg crate and light penetration

8K views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  fish_4_all 
#1 ·
I have used glass tops on my tanks for a while and I decided here a few months ago to switch to Egg Crate because I wanted to try something. The main reason was it was hard to keep the glass clean and it was simply a pain in the neck to was it and scrape off the residue.

Since I have switched to egg crate I have seen a noticeable difference in plant growth. My wisteria is growing close to the substrate instead of growing up into a massive mess. Also, my Bacopa is growing much thicker and grows fuller instead of racing to the top with the bottom leaves falling off.

I do have more problems with algae but this would also indicate that a lot more light is getting to the tnak than when I used the glass tops.

I think for light penetraiton, the egg crate has made a huge difference. I do have a little more evaporation but I change 50% or more weekly so it really doesn't hurt anything anyway.

Anyone have similar experience with egg crate or seen any differences between different types of tank covers?
 
#2 ·
I agree- I've read that much more light gets through egg crate. The only reason I don't use it is because I'm worried about contaminants getting in the water. I've got a bunny with very floaty hair who's shedding constantly and likes to sit by my tanks since they're warm and vibratey. (she sits on my subwoofer for the same reason)
 
#4 ·
The light is actually more than 8 inches above the tanks so that condensation and water splash is not an issue. I did have it on top of the glass tops and still had problems with water condensation so when I switched to egg crate I moved it above and I still get signs that I get more light into the water than with the glass tops.
 
#5 ·
This may have been explained in another thread somewhere but when you refer to *egg crate* what exactly are you talking about? I can think of a number of things that come to my mind when the word egg crate is mentioned but not sure how any of those relate to light in a tank.
What is it?? :?
 
#6 ·
Egg crate is a plastic material that has small squares in it. It is normally used for flourescent light fixtures as a cover that lets more of the light through than normally plastic covers.

http://www.acehardware.com/largeIma...t/graphics/product_images/pACE3-4565983dt.jpg

That will explain it better. It comes in different sizes and colors if you can find them. I tried to find the one with smaller holes but had no luck so I went with 2/4 inch diagonal measured squares which has worked fine. For fish that tend to try and jump out you might want to find smaller ones so they don't have much of a chance of hitting the holes and getting loose. :shock:
It has other uses for the aquarium also:
As a base for rock formations to distribute weight and keep points from hitting bottom glass
Moss walls and other plants can be laced into it to form nice scenery
It can be used to make caves and other ornaments for certain fish

Just make sure to sand down the sharp edges from cutting it or the fish can hurt themselves.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top