Egg Crate and Light Question Again

JFugett · 02/26/2016, 01:14 AM

I am considering using egg crate to keep fish from suiciding out of my tank. I used it years ago and was happy with those results, but back then I wasn't trying to grow SPS or even many LPS corals. Back then I was also using power compacts and now have LEDs. I have followed threads on egg crate and lighting from 6 to 10 years ago, but didn't find anything regarding LED lights. I know (just from observing the reflected light) that there is a loss of light, but the question is does turning up the light intensity from say 40% to 60% or more defeat the decrease? Anyone have experience with egg crate, LED's and SPS or LPS coral?

JMLewis · 02/26/2016, 02:04 AM

Why not use a brs DIY clear screen top, still get 99% of the light and looks alot nicer.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/diy-aq...4-netting.html

JFugett · 02/26/2016, 09:45 AM

I have a HOB skimmer, lights and other stuff that hang on the rim, so those screens are not flexible enough to get around all that.

alton · 02/26/2016, 09:52 AM

I went with a Polycarbonate top for my wife's 65

Tweaked · 02/26/2016, 10:13 AM

Create an acrylic back section to account for the equipment, then place the BRS DIY screen in.

JFugett · 02/26/2016, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alton

I went with a Polycarbonate top for my wife's 65

Polycarbonate top? Not familiar with that. Can you post a picture, or link?

JFugett · 02/26/2016, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tweaked

Create an acrylic back section to account for the equipment, then place the BRS DIY screen in.

It's funny you mention that, because last night I told my wife I thought using acrylic to block the equipment would look much better. I am definitely going to have to look closer at doing that.

Tweaked · 02/26/2016, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFugett

Polycarbonate top? Not familiar with that. Can you post a picture, or link?

Basically an acrylic top

Steve Atkins · 02/26/2016, 10:46 AM

I use that netting you can get to keep birds off fruit. Often see it used in vinyards.

JFugett · 02/26/2016, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tweaked

Basically an acrylic top

Ah, okay. I think that would also block too much light and lead to heat problems, but it would look better.

JFugett · 02/26/2016, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Atkins

I use that netting you can get to keep birds off fruit. Often see it used in vinyards.

Good idea. What do you use for a frame? Do you need to route it around any equipment? I can figure something out, but wonder how you are doing it.

alton · 02/26/2016, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFugett

Polycarbonate top? Not familiar with that. Can you post a picture, or link?

Sorry Lexan

alton · 02/26/2016, 03:08 PM

Acrylic will warp, and although Lexan is not the greatest on letting light through my two BML 20K XB do very well.

jd371 · 02/26/2016, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMLewis

Why not use a brs DIY clear screen top, still get 99% of the light and looks alot nicer.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/diy-aq...4-netting.html

I bought the same stuff from Amazon, I believe it was cheaper too. For a frame I went to Lowes and bought a kit that has everything you need except the screening.

BrokenSpoke · 02/26/2016, 03:31 PM

Similar situation with HOB items on my tank. I used egg crate for the frame, it is a 1" wide perimeter which I think is 4 squared on egg crate, with cutouts for the HOB items and zip tied the BRS netting in place. Best of both worlds for me.

JFugett · 02/26/2016, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alton

Sorry Lexan

Got it. Thanks!

JFugett · 02/26/2016, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alton

Acrylic will warp, and although Lexan is not the greatest on letting light through my two BML 20K XB do very well.

Your tank does look great.

JFugett · 02/26/2016, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrokenSpoke

Similar situation with HOB items on my tank. I used egg crate for the frame, it is a 1" wide perimeter which I think is 4 squared on egg crate, with cutouts for the HOB items and zip tied the BRS netting in place. Best of both worlds for me.

I like that. A lot. I think that may be the solution for me.

02/26/2016, 01:14 AM	#1
JFugett Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Anchorage, AK Posts: 89	Egg Crate and Light Question Again I am considering using egg crate to keep fish from suiciding out of my tank. I used it years ago and was happy with those results, but back then I wasn't trying to grow SPS or even many LPS corals. Back then I was also using power compacts and now have LEDs. I have followed threads on egg crate and lighting from 6 to 10 years ago, but didn't find anything regarding LED lights. I know (just from observing the reflected light) that there is a loss of light, but the question is does turning up the light intensity from say 40% to 60% or more defeat the decrease? Anyone have experience with egg crate, LED's and SPS or LPS coral? __________________ John Current Tank Info: 75g, no sump, AquaMax HOB XC Skimmer, Koralia Wavemaker, Monitored with APEX AquaController. Eheim Canister Filter used as a Media Reactor for GFO and GAC.

02/26/2016, 09:45 AM	#3
JFugett Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Anchorage, AK Posts: 89	I have a HOB skimmer, lights and other stuff that hang on the rim, so those screens are not flexible enough to get around all that. __________________ John Current Tank Info: 75g, no sump, AquaMax HOB XC Skimmer, Koralia Wavemaker, Monitored with APEX AquaController. Eheim Canister Filter used as a Media Reactor for GFO and GAC.

02/26/2016, 10:13 AM	#5
Tweaked FUP&A Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Madison, CT Posts: 7,722	Create an acrylic back section to account for the equipment, then place the BRS DIY screen in. __________________ DSA 105 Pro, Cebu Sun-Radiums-M80 Ballasts, 4 T5's, XHO LEDs. Through Wall 55g Sump, 10g Frag and 29g Display attached, Vertex V6, 3 mp40's, Gyre, 2 mp10's, GFO, Carbon, Pellets - 10g Bar Tank

02/26/2016, 10:46 AM	#9
Steve Atkins Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Wellington, NZ Posts: 552	I use that netting you can get to keep birds off fruit. Often see it used in vinyards. __________________ 500L (135USG) mixed reef, SRO3000-int skimmer, Profilux controller & doser, Tunze wave pumps, TMC Aquaray LED lighting.

02/26/2016, 02:04 AM	#2
JMLewis Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Temecula, Ca Posts: 443	Why not use a brs DIY clear screen top, still get 99% of the light and looks alot nicer. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/diy-aq...4-netting.html

02/26/2016, 09:52 AM	#4
alton Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zuehl, Texas Posts: 4,460	I went with a Polycarbonate top for my wife's 65

02/26/2016, 03:08 PM	#13
alton Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zuehl, Texas Posts: 4,460	Acrylic will warp, and although Lexan is not the greatest on letting light through my two BML 20K XB do very well.

02/26/2016, 03:31 PM	#15
BrokenSpoke Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 564	Similar situation with HOB items on my tank. I used egg crate for the frame, it is a 1" wide perimeter which I think is 4 squared on egg crate, with cutouts for the HOB items and zip tied the BRS netting in place. Best of both worlds for me.