lighting protective plastic

[Russdog]

The plastic protecting the bulbs from water is cracked and I would like to replace it. Is there a special type needed that will withsand the heat?

[Poseidon]

Is this under T5, PC, VHO, or metal halide? (unlikely that it is MH.)

[Russdog]

I have a 55 gal with 4 21" 50/50 florescent.

[Poseidon]

Well, I am thinking that it is just "regular" fish lights? Do you have a reef tank?

I am 99% certain that any acrylic will work for you. The only reason I was asking for specifics on your fixture was for heat and possibly UV shielding reasons, but it doesn't sound like that is the case.

You can get the acrylic from Lowes, or Home Depot.....

Oh, BTW,

[Ninong]

Is this under T5, PC, VHO, or metal halide? (unlikely that it is MH.)

I have a 55 gal with 4 21" 50/50 florescent.

Well, I am thinking that it is just "regular" fish lights?

And the answer is: PC.

[Russdog]

Thank you. That's what I thought however the existing plastic was warped and cracked, wasn't sure if I could upgrade it to somethig that would hold up longer. My tank is a reef and it is regular fish lights (65w). Thanks again and I love the site, I will be a regular here as I need the help form experienced reefers so that I can learn more an more.

Well, I am thinking that it is just "regular" fish lights? Do you have a reef tank?

I am 99% certain that any acrylic will work for you. The only reason I was asking for specifics on your fixture was for heat and possibly UV shielding reasons, but it doesn't sound like that is the case.

You can get the acrylic from Lowes, or Home Depot.....

Oh, BTW,

[Ninong]

Thank you. That's what I thought however the existing plastic was warped and cracked, wasn't sure if I could upgrade it to something that would hold up longer.

Better light fixtures -- and virtually all fixtures with metal halide lamps -- use 3/16" tempered glass; however, this is not something you can run down to your local glass shop and pick up because glass has to be tempered after it's cut.

Most fixtures with just fluorescent lamps -- except for the expensive ones -- use some sort of plastic.

[Ninong]

My tank is a reef and it is regular fish lights (65w).

I'm not sure that's what Poseidon means by "regular fish lights." He probably means NO (normal output) fluorescent lamps. You have PC (power compact) lamps.