LED lights/Open top tank

[Barneykirk3]

I have two Juwel Rio 125 litre tanks and thinking of improving the lighting in them, mainly to show the fish at their best as will be using silk plants. I have seen some by Nicrew and Varmhus but would need me to have the top of the tanks open. What problem could that cause, or any way to keep the top closed. Dont have any fish that are known jumpers, but you never know.

Any help much appreciated.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

You can get some acrylic and cut it to fit the tank. That’s an easy DIY lid, that the light can still get through.

I highly recommend Nicrew lights.

 

[Barneykirk3]

You can get some acrylic and cut it to fit the tank. That’s an easy DIY lid, that the light can still get through.

I highly recommend Nicrew lights.

How thick acrylic would you recommend?

 

[mrsjoannh13]

I just made a custom (cut) acrylic lid and would not recommend it. Within a period of hours it was completely warped. Try polycarbonate instead if you are going to cut a lid yourself. It doesn't absorb moisture as much as the acrylic so it shouldn't warp.

If you don't have jumpers in your tank or escape artists like shrimp and snails, I would leave the top open personally. I just think it looks better. You'll have more evaporation but it's a cleaner look. Just my opinion.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

escape artists like shrimp

Shrimp aren’t known to try to escape an open top tank. As long as you have the factory black rim, it should be safe from snails escaping.

I just made a custom (cut) acrylic lid and would not recommend it. Within a period of hours it was completely warped. Try polycarbonate instead if you are going to cut a lid yourself. It doesn't absorb moisture as much as the acrylic so it shouldn't warp.

If you don't have jumpers in your tank or escape artists like shrimp and snails, I would leave the top open personally. I just think it looks better. You'll have more evaporation but it's a cleaner look. Just my opinion.

I have never heard of acrylic warping from water absorption.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

How thick acrylic would you recommend?

Any thickness will do. It doesn’t need to stop a bullet, it just needs to stop a fish from getting out.

 

[mrsjoannh13]

Shrimp aren’t known to try to escape an open top tank. As long as you have the factory black rim, it should be safe from snails escaping.

I lost 2 to an open top tank. For whatever reason they climbed up on the wires or tubing and I found them on the floor later.

I have never heard of acrylic warping from water absorption.

Photo of my acrylic lid attached. Granted it's thin but acrylic lids definitely will warp.

 

[FishGuest5123]

I have two Juwel Rio 125 litre tanks and thinking of improving the lighting in them, mainly to show the fish at their best as will be using silk plants. I have seen some by Nicrew and Varmhus but would need me to have the top of the tanks open. What problem could that cause, or any way to keep the top closed. Dont have any fish that are known jumpers, but you never know.

Any help much appreciated.

I just bought my first versa top in order to use a new light. It’s clear plastic and working fine. Cheap too compared to others. You can cut the back strip to fit equipment. Pic of one and mine. Even has a hinged lid and handle.

 

[Barneykirk3]

The only other option i have seen is to replace the bulbs with different colours and use reflectors from a company called Iquatics. Anyone ever use them? Would a tropical and blue bulb improve the lighting?

 

[seangee]

I just made a custom (cut) acrylic lid and would not recommend it. Within a period of hours it was completely warped. Try polycarbonate instead if you are going to cut a lid yourself.

No polycarbonate is much bendier and scratchier. My first attempt was polycarbonate and I now have acrylic. I have supports around the tank to stop it bending (too much), and you could also use an extra strip to make a brace. I also flip it over every water change. Mine is 3 mm - will probably do 6 if I replace it.

FWIW the Nicrew is not waterproof and should not be placed over an open tank. You will also lose a lot of water to evaporation with an open tank.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

FWIW the Nicrew is not waterproof and should not be placed over an open tank. You will also lose a lot of water to evaporation with an open tank.

Interestingly enough, I have not had an issue with that so far. My 20g long is an open tank, but there are no signs of water evaporation on the light.

 

[madmark285]

I lost 2 to an open top tank. For whatever reason they climbed up on the wires or tubing and I found them on the floor later.

While feeding my Odessa barbs this morning, one jump right out of the tank! These guys are more hyper than my Tiger barbs.

Photo of my acrylic lid attached. Granted it's thin but acrylic lids definitely will warp.

I was looking at acrylic aquariums on the web, yep acrylic will warp and they made lids using 1/4" polycarbonate.

 

[Barneykirk3]

Thanks for all the replies. Very helpful.