Glass Top Or No Top?

[sahmof2]

I have a 55 gal reef tank with 220 watts of T5 lighting 2 inches from the water level. Alot of precipatation builds on the current glass top and causes water spots that I know is blocking a certain amount of lumens from reaching the water. Do most people deal with continuously cleaning a glass top or have no top and deal with having to add alot more water due to the precipatation being able to escape the tank?

 

[-Nemo-]

I keep a glass top mainly so my fish don't decide to go carpet surfing Even so i prefer a top, I have a strange phobia with something dropping into the tank if it were to have no top. I just clean the glass weekly.

 

[sahmof2]

thanks,

My glass top has a black plastic hinge that blocks some light. I may need to get a better glass top.

 

[AK77]

I don't have a glass top on my tank. None of the fish have ever decided to go kamikazi and dive to the carpet. The reason you do not want a top on the tank is to aid with evapouration. This helps the tank to keep cool. If you are worried about fish jumping out or bugs flying in, try constructing a lightweight, wooden framework with moskito netting. This will still allow ample light through, keep fish in and critters out and still allow evapouration.

I will be constructing one soon. I've already tested the netting for light and there is no noticeable lowering of intensity.

 

[sahmof2]

Sound like a good idea. May consider doing this myself. I have a wood hood assembly that came with my tank setup that would prevent fish lose but have not used it do to hard to use having the glass tops on. May be best to use the hood with no glass?

 

[bambam]

glass takes away from the lighting, heres a question to answer your question: can you sun tan inside your house throught a closed glass window?

 

[Musho3210]

glass reduces UV rays, thats why mh lights normally have a glass shield. It doesnt block light though.

Glass tops i find mess up some of the gas exchanges, i took a mosquito net and cut big holes in it, not as big as the fish so they cant jump out, then i put it on top of my tank. Another even more effective way is to use egg-crate.

 

[n3ont3tra]

Yeah, lots of people use egg crate... but where do you get it?

 

[AK77]

Your LFS may have it. Alternatively, look online for suppliers/manufacturers and see if they either supply direct or can direct you to a retailer/wholesaler. Then shop around for the cheapest price

 

[SkiFletch]

Yeah, lots of people use egg crate... but where do you get it?

Home Depot or Lowes in the States . Its in the section with the drop-cieling tiles.


To the OP: I'll never use a glass top because my lights are too powerful. Using a glass top would inhibit evaporation and my tank would overheat, hence I dont use a glass top. I use a covered canopy with fans instead

 

[mantis147]

Wouldnt egg crate cast a chequered shadow over the tank? I dont have a lid or glass cover as is helps release gases etc.

 

[Musho3210]

no egg-crate doesnt