Plastic Hood vs Glass Hood (Lighting)

[Phoxly]

I got my 10 gallon from a local pet store and it came with a glass 3 part hood, one with a handle, one for the middle, and a plastic cuttable piece for the back accessories, but I have no lighting solution.

I can buy a 20" hood that fits my tank for 34.99 or buy a lighting strip to set on top of the barely 3.5inch wide glass middle section, but I don't know which will look/function the best. The tank is a Betta tank atm with just the betta and a filter (its cycling.. yes I know, the aquarium guy said to get a swimmer fish to cycle it).

I don't think the plastic hoods are too bad or look that bad since my aquarium is just sitting on top of our entertainment center, but the 2 loose glass pieces on top with a make shift cover for the 2" in back isn't cutting it IMO. =(

 

[Crepe]

Rimless 10 gallon moss scape - Aquascaping - Aquatic Plant Central
Check this guy out. He used coat hangers to fashion diy light feet.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm100/clwatkins10/sta003.jpg the actual picture.
He later sprayed them with water proof black paint.

 

[mommytron]

wow, that's wicked cool! and crafty

 

[BigJim]

There's no hinge for the glass pieces? It sounds like you've got a Versa-Top style glass hood. It usually comes with the two glass pieces attached together with a hinge, a small handle, and the plastic strip that you cut to fit your equipment. They're a cheap way to keep your fish in the tank. I have an incandescent light fixture with two CFL bulbs sitting on top of the glass. Look for a replacement hinge for a Versa-Top to make your glass top much nicer.

 

[mommytron]

i have a versa-top as well. i love it, it looks much better than the black plastic hood we had IMO. that's just me though

 

[RaptorBro]

I have a plastic hood and within 3 days i have about a 1/2 in of water evap i recently switched to the versa and have had no evap plus i like the fact i can see in from all directions

 

[CA_BroncoFan]

I have a glass top and will only ever go with glass tops (I replace all plastic when buying new) as stated above, I have found evap is at a complete minimum. You are allowed full (well, almost) customization as far as where the filter goes etc.. they are super easy to clean, if you have jumpy fish they have a hard time jumping through or out with a glass top and finally...they look so much better IMO

 

[Crepe]

I'm topless and I lose an inch of water a week but I like the clean look.