cover for pc lights needed?

I was wondering if anyone takes off the plastic covering that covers the lights so that you would get more light? Could you just cut it down to cover the ballasts to protect them and leave most of the light uncovered? any input/ideas would be great. thanks

i can tell you my t5 lights did not have a cover over them and they were purchased that way.

How close are they to the water? As long as salt creep isn't getting to them I don't see an issue.

the fixture is on little legs..light bulbs probably 3-4 inches above water.

you will be fine, just try not to have a power head to close to the top cause if it were to splash on the reflectors saltwater does have the capability to eat right threw reflectors.

super...I will take it out tonight. thanks