Glass sliders effect on lights and plants

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by hviviers75, Oct 25, 2016.

  1. hviviers75

    hviviers75

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    Hi everyone

    Just a thought, I would think that glass slider would have an effect on the lights and plants.

    Does it really have an effect, I currentl run 2 x 18w LED tubes and 1 x 30w floglo tube in my 4 foot with low tech plants. Tank size 1.23m x 50high x 45 wide.

    Any input from the Pros @Slagter.

    Thanks
     
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  3. ryanvtec

    ryanvtec

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    I was just thinking about this last night. surely it must have an affect. Look forward to here what others say. i Have a custom 3ft that is about 500mm deep its an old tank and glass sliders are not clear anymore ( i guess i could clean them).
     
  4. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    Not too sure if the glass has an effect.
    But I do find that algae grows very easily on the inside of the glass, and that does cut down light.
    So you need to wipe it down regularly to prevent any build up.
     
  5. BoelderBeestie

    BoelderBeestie

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    Yes most definitely has an effect. I compensate for some of the loss by lining my hoods with tinfoil, it makes a big difference in brightness. If you look at the glass it's not perfectly clean and the condensation droplets also scatters the light. My glass lids is a must have for me though, minimum evaporation and it keeps my fish in the tank. You have to aerate with them on, my fish start to gasp if it pump is off for a while as there is no new air coming in.
     
  6. OP
    hviviers75

    hviviers75

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    Yeah will get some vinegar for that always make sure they are nice and clean

    Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
     
  7. BoelderBeestie

    BoelderBeestie

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    @Reedfish forgot about the algae. Yes it grows quite nicely on the inside of the lids haha.
     
  8. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    I don't grow plants, so that not an issue
    But I do want a small algae build up for my Golden Nugget.
     
  9. BoelderBeestie

    BoelderBeestie

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    @Reedfish, I meant on the inside of the glass sliders above the water, I have to wipe it off every now and then to stop it from blocking light. I also like a algae buildup on my shrimp tank, I leave the one side full of it for the shrimplets. They gather in their hordes on it. My next hatch looks to be a good one, all the painted shrimp are berried so hoping for a nice red batch.
     
  10. OP
    hviviers75

    hviviers75

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    Decided to remove my glass sliders will only use it in winter to keep heat in.

    Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
     
  11. MariaS

    MariaS Retired Moderator

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    I guess the slidders can be a bit of a pain... the dust settles on them, algae etc so.. i would love to take mine off too except it wont take long and Flash will land on the floor after moths!!!
     
  12. OP
    hviviers75

    hviviers75

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    No not really a pain to remove them. I personally think glass sliders are preventing the light to pass through the water for photo synthesis. And I had to replace them twice already as the dogs are always nosey and then kabaam broken glass all over. I am storing the glass sliders inside my cabinet till winter. Temps dont really drop during the night to have an effect on water temps.

    Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
     
  13. MariaS

    MariaS Retired Moderator

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    @hviviers75 .... I think you misunderstood me sorry... i meant they a pain to keep clean all the time and I would love to remove mine but Flash will be out the tank like jack flash trying to catch moths!!
     
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  14. Whatsaname

    Whatsaname

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    You might find that there is going to be some build up on your lights because off the condensation, just watch out for that. I rather keep my sliders on to keep my lights clean and dry...
     
  15. MariaS

    MariaS Retired Moderator

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    That is also very true
     
  16. BoelderBeestie

    BoelderBeestie

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    Lost 2 tubes on my 100l that way. The pins came off.
     
  17. Whatsaname

    Whatsaname

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    Yep, happened to me once, lost a ballast as well, now the sliders stays on, I think the build up on the lights is worse than having the sliders...
     
  18. OP
    hviviers75

    hviviers75

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    I use led tubes so sure all will be good. Will monitor any buildup. My canopy is open on the back which is good for evaporation.

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    Last edited: Oct 25, 2016
  19. BoelderBeestie

    BoelderBeestie

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    You will be fine then. My canopy was closed.
     
  20. OP
    hviviers75

    hviviers75

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    Yes for sure. Completely open on the back panel. Tank already looks a little more brighter after removing glass sliders.

    Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
     
  21. BoelderBeestie

    BoelderBeestie

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    Do you have a reflector? Foil works well. It makes a noticeable difference.
     

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