Aquarium canopy/top help?

[dstephen]

I just upgraded my lights to the finnex planted 24/7 SE, and they are a huge improvement from the last lights I had. However I also have a glass top that has a hinge and opens halfway.

Even when completely clean, it dims the light a little and I feel like it reduces the PAR. I am going topless right now but I don't want the evaporation rate to speed up.

Should I leave my canopy top off or is there any suggestions on something to cover it with that the lighting stays lit through?

 

[dstephen]

Also the black part with the hinge on the glass top blocks light as well.

 

[TMaier]

If you remove the top your evaporation will increase. Also consider if anything in your tank will jump or crawl out.

I had all these challenges and left the top on. The plants are doing ok?

 

[dstephen]

If you remove the top your evaporation will increase. Also consider if anything in your tank will jump or crawl out.

I had all these challenges and left the top on. The plants are doing ok?
View attachment 300094

The glass top I have diminishes the light.

 

[Barliman]

Those standard lids with the dark hinge will affect PAR in certain parts of the tank, no matter what, because of that hinge. I decided to live with the evaporation, but, to minimize the risk of jumpers, instead of no lid I made a DIY "window screen" lid. Plenty of light gets through. Here's a good video on them:

 

[dstephen]

Those standard lids with the dark hinge will affect PAR in certain parts of the tank, no matter what, because of that hinge. I decided to live with the evaporation, but, to minimize the risk of jumpers, instead of no lid I made a DIY "window screen" lid. Plenty of light gets through. Here's a good video on them:

Neons won't jump out though right?

 

[Barliman]

Neons won't jump out though right?

The 1/4" netting is too small for all but very young neons to get through. I have 11 in my 20-long, and haven't found any on the floor, yet.

Naturally, one of my Otos found one of the few open spots.

 

[dstephen]

The 1/4" netting is too small for all but very young neons to get through. I have 11 in my 20-long, and haven't found any on the floor, yet.



Naturally, one of my Otos found one of the few open spots.

But what I'm saying in neons never really jump out in the first place?

 

[Barliman]

But what I'm saying in neons never really jump out in the first place?

They aren't prone to jumping, unlike, for example, swordtails. But any fish may jump if it's suddenly scared or startled.

 

[TMaier]

My mystery snails would crawl out to lay eggs. And the rainbows startle easy. I heard them bounce off the lid.

 

[Bert2oo1]

I just upgraded my lights to the finnex planted 24/7 SE, and they are a huge improvement from the last lights I had. However I also have a glass top that has a hinge and opens halfway. View attachment 300092

Even when completely clean, it dims the light a little and I feel like it reduces the PAR. I am going topless right now but I don't want the evaporation rate to speed up. View attachment 300093

Should I leave my canopy top off or is there any suggestions on something to cover it with that the lighting stays lit through?

I wouldn't worry about the drop in par. It would be minimal and if your only growing low light plants the SE will have more than enough power to go through the lid and provide enough PAR [emoji106]

 

[Brookster123]

Just remove the black hinge, that's what I've done

 

[Mr. Aquaforce]

Glass tops get dirty fast! Was planning on cutting some acrylic to fit the top

 

[Brookster123]

Glass tops get dirty fast! Was planning on cutting some acrylic to fit the top

And how would acrylic stay cleaner?? Besides.. without clips it will warp within weeks.

 

[Fresh2o]

Just remove the black hinge, that's what I've done

...after which, you can cut the hinge into 2" sections and place those at the ends of the glass planes. You end up with a functioning hinge and minimal shadowing/blockage.

 

[Brookster123]

Yah! What fresh said

 

[coralbandit]

...after which, you can cut the hinge into 2" sections and place those at the ends of the glass planes. You end up with a functioning hinge and minimal shadowing/blockage.View attachment 300122

BOOM !

Acrylic will warp/sag and will stay no clearer or cleaner then glass .

If you don't cover your tank the evap will increase..

 

[idaho_n8ive]

You're sure it's real glass? Is it stained? If it is replace them. You can use silicone to make a new translucent hinge.

 

[idaho_n8ive]

Glass tops get dirty fast! Was planning on cutting some acrylic to fit the top

Acrylic will bow unless the room and water are the same temp. The warm side grows causing it bow down into the water.

Acrylic scratches easily. No matter how careful you are it will get all torn up over time.

Acrylic attracts dust through static electricity generated by dis-similar "atmosphere" inside and outside.

I've tried it. Went back to DS (1/8" or 3.2mm.) [emoji102]

 

[Mr. Aquaforce]

Meep! ?