Condensation Hoods

[huckFIN]

I was wondering if condensation trays are really necessary. I ask this because it means that whenever I have to feed my fish I need to remove the hood and then remove the condensation tray. I'd like to just lift up the flap on the hood to feed the fish but it's currently not possible with the tray in place.
I realise the condensation tray is there to prevent condensation from getting at the light but is there anybody out there that doesn't use one (with a conventional hood) and has had no adverse affects from not using one.

 

[Truck]

there only neccasary for tanks with exposed electrical terminals on the hood

 

[Pleccy]

Aside from protecting electrical appliances they can also prevent fish from jumping out and they also reduce evaporation.

 

[huckFIN]

The terminals/fittings at each end of my tube are waterproof (according to the manufacturer) and the fish won't be able to jump out with the hood in place surely.

I might try and cut a 3" (approx) hole in the condensation tray which will be the answer to my problem. If I can do it neatly.

 

[Truck]

use a drill with a cirular attachment

 

[Dan81192]

If the tank is heated id say yes

I've ran a tank heated without a condensatiion tray before and every week i had to fill it back up with water, it lost loads!

 

[fifefish]

i have 180 l tank that is heated i dont use condensation hoods and i dont seem to loose that much water. my light unit has fallen into the tank before and had no effect on the tank. if you have rubber caps on the ends of your lighting strip you can go without a condensation hood and if u start to loose quite a lot of water in a week put them back.

 

[huckFIN]

I'll try it without the tray and see what happens. The lighting terminals are sealed with a rubber ring. I'll cut the aforementioned hole with a hole saw attachment.

 

[shelaghfishface]

they are a pain in the ass at feeding time,but like said cut a corner off the tray.
they also give a certain amount of protection for wooden hoods too,the evaporation isnt too bad if you are keeping up regular water changes then it shouldnt really be an issue

shelagh xxx

 

[Rooster]

In my opinion, they just attract gack !!!! Better off without if possible.... they cut down on your valuable light, and are a PIA to boot !

 

[BigC]

Make some sliding coverglasses.
Buy some "E" channeling from you local DIY store and two pieces of glass (4mm float) glass should be 75mm more than half the length of your aquarium and 5mm short of the width. Cut 2 pcs of the "E" channel to 50mm short of the length. The channels will eventually sit on the front and back glass slips on your tank. Place one piece of glass in the bottom grouve and one piece in the top grouve then place the whole thing on the glass slips Silicone a glass marble at each end so as you can slide the glass either over or under the other piece.
Hope this helps
Regards
BigC