Open Top or Covered Top

[Convict2161]

Tomorrow I'm going topless!!!

 

[FallenRedeemer]

I have a top on both my tanks. Years ago I have a 20 gallon with a top on and just a section open for the filter. One day I found my algae eater on the floor behind my tank. Don't know how he managed to get out.

 

[Jesse18]

Open top

 

[Convict2161]

Question. I've be contemplating going topless but I have yet another question. Of course you run the risk of jumpers. I have a 75g African Cichlid tank and that worries me. But it would look a lot nicer with out the glass canopy and all the condensation on it. But what about heat? Will you lose heat? Doesn't the canopy or hood help keep in heat?

I still have my top on but with these kick *** lights I think topless might be the way to go!!



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[Convict2161]

Anyone?

 

[garfy]

Your heater will definately have to work a bit harder and evaporation will increase slightly.It may also surprise you how well africans can jump if they have the mind to (especially if they are being chased)

 

[garfy]

Me i`m covered all the way.Dont want any fish jumping out and i like the way the light looks with a top on

 

[RedFlame]

I have both. My larger tanks have upgraded lights my little 10g's have the stock or standard lighting.

 

[Alyxx]

All 3 of mine have covers. I, too, have a cat.

 

[Water]

I use tops on three and I still need to buy another one for my 20 long. Keeps the water and fish in.

 

[richpowell1989]

Open tops are so much more stunning gives u another view of your tank

 

[Megacichlid]

Yes but open tops also mean fish on the floor,and faster evaporation,iv lost peacock bass and jaguar cichlids to open tops,i also see a higher more steady temp with lids

 

[richpowell1989]

I have never lost one fish I have 8 tanks 3 125gals 3 46gals 2 30 gals all open top and had some of them for over 5 years all open top I have never lost one fish by them jumping out !!

 

[Megacichlid]

Wow i wish i had your luck i use lids now
I guess it depends on what kind of fish yoi keep

 

[redsea]

All of my tanks are covered.....for the most part. My Redsea Max 130d overheats so I leave the first part of the lid open when the lights are on.

 

[richpowell1989]

Wow i wish i had your luck i use lids now
I guess it depends on what kind of fish yoi keep

Very true to be honest when I first started I was very worried that they would jump out but I really liked the look of a open top tank, I just keep it very heavily planted and my fish seem so calm, they love the tank so I guess they feel secure

 

[Alyxx]

I've had a couple jumpers even with covers, so open tops worry me. Years ago I had one red finned shark jump about three times until I got a completely covered 5 gallon just for him. No idea how he found his way out of the tiny hole for the filter. Also had a swordtail "disappear" until I found him stuck to the wall behind my tank. Which was covered...

 

[Convict2161]

I was gonna go topless but I noticed when I was cleaning the glass tops while doing a water change the water was going all over the place from the 2 air stones so I'm gonna keep the tops on.

 

[richpowell1989]

I was gonna go topless but I noticed when I was cleaning the glass tops while doing a water change the water was going all over the place from the 2 air stones so I'm gonna keep the tops on.

I don't run airstones because I use c02 so I don't want to lose it, I also think topless looks so much more better if done right

 

[Convict2161]

I don't run airstones because I use c02 so I don't want to lose it, I also think topless looks so much more better if done right

I agree it does look better and with my light setup I think my tank would look killer. Can't do it because of the water splashing all over, so I bought the matching canopy for the tank. All is good now.



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