Is it better to use a cover on the reef aquarium or not?

I noticed in your book, you talk about not having any cover on top of the aquarium because of light restriction due to salt buildup on the glass. I have a GE aquarium light with two curved fluorescent bulbs in them, Is it ok to put the light directly over the water with the bulbs exposed to the water splashing or will it damage the bulbs? I really don't like the covers anyway.

There are 2 schools of thought- Each has their merits and disadvantages.

Using a glass or plexi glass cover will become cloudy from water splashing on it, so will the bare bulbs -- both will need to be cleaned/maintained regularly.

If you don't use a cover, then you should really have waterproof end caps on the lamps. Once the lamps start getting splashed on, it dosnt take much to have the electricity arch to the water. Waterproof end caps are a must.

Personally I think its easier and more efficient to clean the lamps than it is to clean a glass or plexi glass cover. The other side of the coin evaporation can be accelerated or decreased by using a cover. Some like to increase evaporation so they can add more kalkwasser in their top off water.

I preferred no cover, easier maintenance, more opportunity to add kalk and in my opinion more efficient.

The water wont damage the bulbs (in the reasonable lifetime) but you can have damage if you don't use water proof end caps.

Robert

Robert, Where do I get those waterproof end caps like you are talking about.

Any online store should have them.

Try http://www.northcoastmarines.com/ Marc deSatnik or

http://www.everythingfishy.com/ Alice Burkhart

Either one should have them $4 to $5 each