metal halide fixture lights cover

[aquasport24]

I had a 72" metal halide fixture without a light cover(moisture shield) .What kind of material do i need for it? acrylic or temper glass?.thx

[caferacermike]

Depends upon the manufacture of the unit itself. My fixture uses both acrylic and glass. It has separate compartments for the actinic bulbs (acrylic covers) and glass over each individual halide. I recommend tempered glass over any halides as regular glass will qquickly heat and expand. It will shatter and end up in the tank if not heat treated prior to use.

[erikharrison]

Isn't there a special type of glass used on certain halides?

[Bill S]

If the bulbs are DE bulbs, you MUST use a glass shield to protect your reef from UV.

[caferacermike]

Yeah Erik it's Got to be tempered.