Question to all with planted tanks..

[Voorhee]

How many of you use a glass or plastic top on your planted tank?

i'm wondering if i should get glass covers for my 75gal tank..

im going 4x32w 48" T8 lamps..

and was concerned about evapouration and condensation. Also heat in my tank..

Thanks..

 

[Chasing Puck]

I have tanks setup both ways. There is a bit of difference in terms of evaporation, but very little in temp. If the light will be far enough away from the surface not to be splashed, it's likely fine to run it without a glass top. With a glass top, you have to be careful as the temp CAN rise more, and you have to clean the glass frequently to prevent it from blocking the light.

For evaporation--if there is enough evaporation to need topping off, I tend to just do an additional water change. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind the minerals. This increases the hardness and can alter pH, so doing water changes will help dilute the water back to normal in addition to just being cleaner.

 

[Dragonslair]

consideration also must be given about the types of fish you are going to keep in the tank. Many fish are excellent jumpers.

 

[Voorhee]

My lights will be 2-1/2" above glass..


should i be ok..

 

[Leslie]

I always keep a glass lid on my tanks for the safety of things that might get in or out.