Is a glass top needed?

[misterpenguin4]

I have a 10 gallon planted tank with a hood and incandescent lights but I am getting a LED that sits on legs over the tank. Do I need to have a glass top or will no top be fine?

 

[jcolon]

In this case yes you want a glass top, if for no other reason than to prevent flying projectiles from going into your tank. A very likely scenario when kids are lurking about.

 

[Aquatic_Adam]

Glass top disadvantages: reflects some light, needs to be clean.

Glass top advantages: keeps fish in, keeps stray objects out, reduce evaporation loss.

I wouldn't say the glass top is necessary, but I personally haven't had a tank without one.

Good luck!

 

[blizowman1]

Or go buy some Plexi glass and cut your own top

 

[DavidAl]

Yes, you do not want your LED system getting wet.

David

 

[Rivercats]

I never use glass tops but I also don't use any LED's. I have all T5HO's and Metal Halides over my tanks and I just don't like tops.

 

[owen0992]

Get the glass top my friend. I had a LED fixture over a ten gallon on a shelf under my 50 gallon. Cat bumped light, light goes swimming. Still worked for a bit but then a wire detached from it's solder spot. I know. Very stupid to not secure the fixture and I regret not getting a lid. Cats actually leave fish completely alone so there was no malicious intent on her bump. All my fault for not having a lid.

 

[Lt.]

Or go buy some Plexi glass and cut your own top

+1. That's exactly what I do.

 

[dornblaser1]

you can also use a screen frame kit and clear mesh from Saltwater and Reef Aquarium Supplies - Bulk Reef Supply

nice lid lets better gas exchange

 

[Lt.]

I don't like mesh tops, or open tops. IMO, they let off to much evaporation, which in my little bedroom makes things VERY humid. So I'd go with a solid top.

 

[bobc4d]

I use egg crate from Home Depot, it is inexpensive and you can cut it to suit your needs. I do have some evaporation but then it lets in lots of light.