Tank Top!

[rcampbel04]

I have recently started a new 40 gallon tank and am an absolute beginner. I was wondering the importance of a tank top. I have a top mounted lightbar with two t-5 bulbs in it as of right now. My LFS did not have any tank covers. I was thinking of designing my own, but was wondering what the importance is? Will i lose a lot of heat without one? Will it affect chemical levels a lot in my tank? Any advice will help a lot! thanks

 

[christylee]

I think a top will contribute to less dust particles floating on the surface and less water evaporation...I'm not sure on the heat factor though.

 

[jwar090]

Also, some fish like to jump. Having a top on the tank gives you peace of mind that they won't be able to get out.

 

[rcampbel04]

I think a top will contribute to less dust particles floating on the surface and less water evaporation...I'm not sure on the heat factor though.

I didn't even think of the whole water evaporation thing! That is true. I'll definitely have to make some sort of top for my tank. 
 

Also, some fish like to jump. Having a top on the tank gives you peace of mind that they won't be able to get out.

Yes, another thing i didn't think of. i also have a cat. although he is never in the room where my tank is, the peace of mind of having a top wouldn't hurt...

 

[ReMz]

Exactly what has been said.
 
You do need (for the most part) a lid on the tank. Does this for you:
 
1) keeps contaminants out
2) water evaporates FAST w/o one
3) your heater is just being inefficient and tank temps will be lower
4) FISH JUMP - keep em in
5) my lids being lifted are usually a que feeding is happening, makes for fun training

 

[ag-au]

Keep in mind not to entirely close the top if you make your own. You still want some space for o2 and co2 to enter/leave the water. I like to jar the lid open a bit to let air flow through. Not a lot, but a little. I have a betta and they are labyrinth fishes who have lungs like we do so they can breathe open air.

 

[RSVBiffer]

Plenty of people are running open topped tanks these days, the effect of plants growing out the top of the tank can be stunning but obviously, as stated above, there are drawbacks and evaporation losses can be large. In talking about a top, you are usually referring to cover glasses or a lid (or a combination of both). It really is a case of whatever you fancy.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Sound like you are in need of doing a diy project or perhaps to purchase a new lid.
 
Might help if you can give brand and model of of your 40 gal tank and we'll see if we can find something suitable for that tank.
 
There seems to be a couple things you could do.
 
1 - make your own diy lid using perspex or glass, i have made my own lid for a nano tank and is not difficult to do, just a little planning and common sense required.
 
Here is my thread on a DIY nano tank lid.
 
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/426468-aqua-nano-30-diy-lid/
 
2 - You can ask a glass cutter to cut shape and size of glass to fit your tank, a little more expensive but might be worth doing.
 
As others already have mentioned, you may lose some water through evaporation but not a whole lot though, depends how warm/cold it gets where you are based. A lot of people have this occurrence but easily solved by doing daily water top ups.
 
And dust and particles in air can get to your water surfaces etc
 
There are pros and cons for both methods, IMHO its just a case of personal preference, I prefer lidded tanks while others prefer open top tanks.

 

[Alasse]

I have both open and lidded tanks.
 
The open topped ones definitely lose more water though evaporation, i dont notice any dust and such getting on them though, good water movement will fix that. My cats will also drink out of the open topped ones (fishy filtered water is yum apparently).
 
In summer all my tanks become open topped, heat can disperse quicker, so lidded tanks hold the heat better
 
Personally its upto you and the fish you keep (jumpers need lids)

 

[hobby5]

Welcome to TFF! Congrats to the great tank! 40G is an awesome size for beginners and you have lots of fish to chose from.
 
Sorry, my next advice will suck but now is the best time: Exchange that substrate for sand of a natural color. You can keep all fish on sand but only a few of the bottom dwellers on gravel.
 
It seems you got a decent lighting. Go for real plants instead of fake plants (only after you have cycled your tank as they don't like high ammonia and also might interfere with the cycling. So time to read up ) No need to go for high tech. Stay low tech. There are plenty of plants which will thrive under your conditions without addition of CO2 or any fertilizer.