Any way to remove reflection?

[JustAdam8]

I have a bit of a weird question. I recently set-up this 20g long tank. It is up against a wall. When I put on the aquarium lights and it is even remotely dark in the room, you can see the water reflection moving on the wall. It is essentially moving/shimmering. You can sort of see it in the attached picture. My wife is very distracted by it (!!!!) and this type of movement gives her a headache...

Has anyone had this experience or have any ideas on potential solutions? For now, I said I would just put the lights on during the day and make sure they were not on when it was dark.

I recognize this is a weird question!! Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[fishywoo]

If the light is not adjustable you could use electric tape to cover some of the lights to make it dimmer.

As an alternative light you could use a desk light for when you need it dimmer or permanently depending on what your plants demand. Or a clamp light with a low light bulb.

Otherwise if you are able and want to change to a different aquarium light you can get ones that are dimmable and are on timers.

 

[JustAdam8]

If the light is not adjustable you could use electric tape to cover some of the lights to make it dimmer.

As an alternative light you could use a desk light for when you need it dimmer or permanently depending on what your plants demand. Or a clamp light with a low light bulb.

Otherwise if you are able and want to change to a different aquarium light you can get ones that are dimmable and are on timers.

the light is on a dimmer and timer and it is only at 30%. i think I might just have to keep it off whenever it gets dark…

 

[KingOscar]

If you run without a background (and it looks like you do) you can eliminate the reflection by placing a light behind the tank. It could be set from the top or bottom and doesn't need to be powerful. This removes the reflection by lighting the wall. The back wall could then be painted or covered in a manner that you find pleasing.

I threw this light on top of my 75 temporarily just to show the difference. This tank has a smoked plexiglass background on it.

I would use a less powerful light and mount it from below in a permanent situation.

 

[JustAdam8]

If you run without a background (and it looks like you do) you can eliminate the reflection by placing a light behind the tank. It could be set from the top or bottom and doesn't need to be powerful. This removes the reflection by lighting the wall. The back wall could then be painted or covered in a manner that you find pleasing.

I threw this light on top of my 75 temporarily just to show the difference. This tank has a smoked plexiglass background on it.

Thank you so much for taking the time to show me the difference! That is really nice of you. I might ask a few silly questions (sorry) but what do you mean by putting the light behind the tank? Is that like a clip light that you just put on the back, and not the middle like mine is? Also, what do you mean by the light could be “set from the bottom or the top”? Lastly, do you just attach the plexiglass to the outside of the tank (double sided tape?) to black it out?

Thanks again!

I would use a less powerful light and mount it from below in a permanent situation.

I can dim this light a lot, but what do you mean by mount it from below? I assume I would need a different light? Thx!

also, incredibly beautiful tank.

 

[KingOscar]

You don't need plexiglass, having a bare back will work the same.

You leave your present light as is. Then experiment with another light behind the tank in different positions. Try out whatever you have on hand and see how it looks. Or buy a new strip light a little shorter than your tank. (don't want to see it at the sides) When you find a good spot make hangers or clips to hold it in place. Or try laying it on the floor pointing up. May need some "blocks" to raise it a bit. For my test I just laid an extra light on top of the hang on back filters, but I'd not want to see it up there like that permanently, so I would fabricate something to hide it.

 

[GlennO]

You could try cutting and sitting two narrow panels of marine plywood on top of the tank on each side of the light. If it works, paint them black to match the tank.

 

[Redshark1]

I would black out the back of the tank.

 

[RayClem]

I never like having the light mounted that close to the tank. LED lights are point sources, unlike fluorescent or incandescent lights. Thus, such reflections of the water surface are common. Try to make a frame to raise the light 4-8" above the tank rim. I used PVC trim components to make mine, but you can use wood. With wood, you need to coat it thoroughly with an epoxy paint to prevent moisture intrusion.

 

[JustAdam8]

You don't need plexiglass, having a bare back will work the same.

You leave your present light as is. Then experiment with another light behind the tank in different positions. Try out whatever you have on hand and see how it looks. Or buy a new strip light a little shorter than your tank. (don't want to see it at the sides) When you find a good spot make hangers or clips to hold it in place. Or try laying it on the floor pointing up. May need some "blocks" to raise it a bit. For my test I just laid an extra light on top of the hang on back filters, but I'd not want to see it up there like that permanently, so I would fabricate something to hide it.

Got it - that makes a lot of sense. Thank you for breaking it down!

I would black out the back of the tank.

Going to try this out too as a test with some cut out black cardboard paper and see if it helps.

I never like having the light mounted that close to the tank. LED lights are point sources, unlike fluorescent or incandescent lights. Thus, such reflections of the water surface are common. Try to make a frame to raise the light 4-8" above the tank rim. I used PVC trim components to make mine, but you can use wood. With wood, you need to coat it thoroughly with an epoxy paint to prevent moisture intrusion.

This is good to know. I am not incredibly handy, so if this is part of the solution, I may need to look for a different light where it has a stand/clip that can extend vertically so it is not too close to the tank..