Do glass tops change the light spectrum?

[Jeremy S]

About a year ago I read somewhere that if you use glass tops on your tanks it will change the spectrum and intensity of the light because the greenish tint in the glass. This tint is caused by the iron in the glass. I have thought of using glass that has low iron content such as Starphire glass since it is so much clearer. You can see a comparison between low iron glass and regular glass here. Do you think that the greenish tint in regular glass changes the spectrum enough to make it worth buying low iron glass? Thanks.

[Buck]

After seeing your tank photos I am surprised you are concerned with this... :lol: Very nice tank...

Do you think that the greenish tint in regular glass changes the spectrum enough to make it worth buying low iron glass?

No

You will lose light intensity through "any" glass you use by way of reflection and hazing of the glass through age and lack of cleaning. I really hate the glass tops, I prefer an open top tank with suspended lighting... not only do you get the most from your bulbs but there is nothing like looking down into a nicely planted aquarium such as yours