[jollopee]

I am currently switching all my t5 lights to mount up in my hood with the individual reflectors. My question is this, do I need to have a shield of some sorts like a piece of plexi glass to block the lights from the water or will I be ok to go ahead and put my lights in and use them for a week or so until I get to the store to get the plexi. Im installing waterproof endcaps so Im not worried about that and I dont think the salt spray will harm the bulbs but what do I know. Also is there a certain type of plexi that I need such as something that will block UV or anything like that or can I just use a standard piece of plexi??

Todd

[Ninong]

I prefer 3/16" tempered glass for a UV shield but I'm sure there are some plastics that would work provided they don't get too hot. Tempered glass is used with metal halides because they get too hot for plastic. It's not special tempered glass, just regular tempered glass.

The only lamps that you should NEVER run without a shield for even an hour or two are double-ended metal halide lamps. It's OK to run your T5's without a shield while you get your stuff together but I think a UV shield is a good idea for all lamps.

[spankerbob]

Ninong is right.
You may want a splash shield, but you won't need a UV shield for T5's, or pc's, or single ended MH's. It is really unnecessary, and it will block out more light, for not all UV light is harmful just a portion of the spectrum is detrimental, I do believe.

[The Grim Reefer]

I ran my T5's within 3 1/2 inches of the water and the only issue was a little salt spray on the lamps, a weekly wipe down keeps that from becoming a problem. You shouldn't need a shield if the lights are higher up than that.