Glass top or no?

[TygGer]

I read that a glass top for the tanks were not advised because it could increase the water temps. Wouldn't a top-less tank be more prone to evaporation and dust contamination?

 

[Guest]

I say glass on FOWLR, topless on reef. Top less is more prone to evaporation, not sure if dust affects it at all.. I was thinking about that though. The light penetrates better with out glass. Egg crate is what I use.

 

[Bearfan]

I use glass on my tank and not on my sump.

 

[BillyZ]

the other factor to consider is gas exchange. You should be sure there is adequate air flow over a good amount of water surface for proper gas exchange. This is how most oxygen gets into an aquarium. Bearfans works because his sump is exposed. if you don't have a sump I would suggest going topless. I wouldn't wory about dust contamination unless you are frequently using aeresol sprays/cleaners. Also note that some bug sprays/pest bombs can DESTROY your tank if exposed.

 

[Atari]

I'm always topless... err .. I mean my tank.

The evaporation is a real pain but the benefits are well worth it.. my tank would boil if it wasn't open top.

 

[SquishyFish]

I was always told that topless is the way to go. For the last week I decided to try it with the top on. Keep in mind I havent had glass tops on my tank for 5-8 years, if not more. To be honest, I'm not seeing big difference. I have m/h lighting..the tank temp is about the same, but the evaporation is signifigantly less. I have lost two of my sps frags, but the tank was moved two weeks ago and the corals were in rubber maid tubs for 13 hrs. I am contributing their death to that more than the glass lids for the moment.

 

[EELectric]

Also keep in mind that some fish jump out of tanks if not well sealed Good luck!

 

[TygGer]

I was just thinking about the fish jumping factor. For those without a top, aren't you afraid of a fish jumping out?

 

[BillyZ]

to prevent carpet surfing, head to your local HD and pick up a piece of "egg crate". You can probably find it in the lighting section. It is a plastic grid, usualy white. THe squares are about 1/2" so it lets plenty of light and air in, you can feed through it and it keeps your fish in as well.

 

[lando]

I have going topless a few months now and I must say, it has made a huge difference in my tank. My corals have never been happier. Keep in mind, I am using the Coralife CF 4 x 65 watt lighting. I think if you have MH you would get better penetration through the glass top then I got with my CF. I have not lost any fish yet due to jumping out.

 

[fishfreek]

I always suggest running with an open top where there is nothing over the water. Egg crate if need be to keep the jumpers in. Dust is not much of a concern and you want to promote evaporation to a degree.

 

[TygGer]

Anyone have pics of these plastic crates?

lando, what size tank do you own?

fishfreek, why is it good to promote evaporation??

Thanks

 

[fishfreek]

Its not a crate. its a flat plastic sheet thats is layed out in a grid of 1" square holes. Its often used as a florecent light difuser. If you go into Lowes or Home Depot and ask where the "Egg Crate" is they should know what your talking about as its a fairly common name for the product.

Evaporation will help cool the tank as well as help oxygenate the water.

 

[BillyZ]

a quick google image search for "plastic egg crate" shall reveal all

 

[lando]

TygGer, I have a 72 gal. Bow Front. I put in an average of about 1/2 to 1 gal every other day to combate evaporation.

 

[TygGer]

TygGer, I have a 72 gal. Bow Front. I put in an average of about 1/2 to 1 gal every other day to combate evaporation.

Wow, that sounds like a lot of evaporation.

 

[darb2]

Many people have more evap. read MH lighting They use the chance to add make up water to dose kalk (Ca supplement).

 

[RocketSeason]

there is one benifite to evaporation; you are constantly putting fresh, clean water in your system.

Course I go with a glass top and very little gap between my equipment and the plastic strip that covers the back so I get no evaporation from the tank. ( i think it all comes from my skimmer.)

 

[SquishyFish]

I had mentioned the other day that I was going to run my tank for a few days with the glass tops on. I will never do it again. The temp shot up...warm to the touch. Most of my corals closed up for several days. At first, I thought it was the lighting difference till i put my hand in the water. I lost 3 sps frags and my leather coral doesnt look good at all. I expect it to recover though. No glass tops for this boy...ever.

Squishy