Hoods. Necessary or nuisance?

[RightTurnClyde]

What's the consensus on this forum regarding hoods? My 10 gallon was part of a kit that included a hood with lights in it. I've since replaced the the bulbs with better lights, but the hood gets so much evaporated condensation underneath that it's a real pain whenever I want to remove it to do tank maintenance. I have to have a paper towel handy to catch the downpour when I take it off.

I see a lot of beautiful set ups here that seem to just have a light rack over the top and nothing else. Do fish really jump out if the tank that often?

 

[twiddlemuffin]

It really depends on the fish. I have a glass top with a shop light sitting on top and I find it much easier/maneuverable than an actual hood. The only thing with the glass lid is that near the filter, the glass grows a lot of bubble algae that's easily wiped off.

 

[Fishperson]

IMO some sort of cover is a necessity to avoid nuisances. Fish jumping is always a possibility, plus you won't have to top it off as often, so it is probably worth it. I have to top of my 10 gallon daily because it doesn't have a hood on it, but never my 20 gallon, which does.

 

[Brookster123]

I have hoods on my 10,20t,29 because I have cats and they like to explore... At this point I have gutted the stock black plastic lid hoods , I've kept the actual lid and just leave it in front with my lights behind, all free standing.. Working good so far.

 

[Delapool]

I think a hood looks nicer but on mine isn't essential. I have Perspex to keep the water in and the hood just rounds off the tank.

 

[azmodan]

I definitely prefer open tops (provided you don't have known jumpers). Open tops (particularly with rimless tanks) can give the illusion of your aquarium simply continuing into space while a hood can shatter that idea quite quickly. To me it just looks more natural. Fish that jump can also often be discouraged with floating plants at the surface.

 

[starscaper711]

Personally, I like hoods because with bigger tanks and lower lighting conditions, a hood provides an easy way to light up the entire tank while also protecting from the possibility of a fish overboard.