UV filtering glass for HQI
 

So im thinking about a DIY MH set up... only problem is I dont know what kind of glass to use to filter out the harmful UV.

Any help would be awesome....

To my knowledge all glass filters out UV thats why you can't work on your tan in your car when the windows are up :razz:

There may be something to getting tempered glass vs non tempered though.

don't think it's anything special, mine is just 1/8 plate.

I don't think normal glass does a good job in filtering out UV hence the UV filtered sunglasses etc. I think it does some, but if you want to target it specifically, you may need to get some from a glass shop.

If this is true, then you should look to getting some as prolonged exposure to UV light can damage your eyes causing cataracts, etc..

I know that my hood, when I bought it said it has UV filtering glass.

Most sunglasses are plastic so they have to add the UV filter.

"Low E Glass" is what I believe is suppose to be used. 3mm and usually tempered to prevent cracking from water splashing.

This is why I ask.
http://www.reefland.com/forum/lighti...shielding.html
http://www.aquarium-design.com/reef/uvlighting.html

From hellolightsThere has been tonnnnns of discussion but no one seems to have answers....

Are the shields on the halogen lamps uv protected?

Don't think there's a lot of useful UV from halogens. You can't even use them to grow plants.

For HQI all you want is regular old glass. Probably tempered but it's otherwise it's just ordinary glass aka "clear float".

Not worth the risk to me... I like to watch the tank and my mother had cataract surgery, so don't to experience that... so a "couple of bucks" to spend on UV coated glass isn't too bad. It's probably very low risk as noted, HQIs don't generate a lot of UV, but eye damage is cummulative...

http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasc.../chem00539.htm

Like I said "Low E" (low-emissivity) glass, it filters the most UV with it's special coating. It's not expensive and all glass shops will have it, if you don't want to spring for the tempering just go up to 5mm and you should be fine.

Otherwise use SE bulbs.