Does my tank need a top?

PENNYWISE · 01/18/2020, 03:40 PM

Anyone run a tank with no cover? Just open water? Any things I should consider? I can never get the shadow of the seam that runs down the middle to be at the right spot. Without the cover the light from my LEDs look amazing.

hkgar · 01/18/2020, 04:21 PM

Do you have fish or are you going to have fish? Do you mind periodically finding one of the fish, maybe that $200 tang, one the floor.

If so, yes a top. All fish jump as so will at times be on the floor with no top.

Vinny Kreyling · 01/18/2020, 05:05 PM

Screen top is what you need.

billdogg · 01/18/2020, 05:55 PM

I’ll vote for a screen top as well. Blocks minimal light, allows for great oxygen exchange, and can be DIY’d easily and inexpensively.

Why wouldn’t you???

josbur63 · 01/19/2020, 12:49 PM

I have mangroves in my display tank,so a little hard for them to grow with a top on.Havent had a problem with jumping fish,but i make it a point not to purchase those prone to jumping.

Constantine · 01/20/2020, 07:35 AM

I have glass tops. You can remove the hinge part and then just lift the front panel out of the way or slide it back on top of the other panel. I think it's actually easier to use with a light resting on top of the tank, then using the hinges. And there isn't a shadow from it either. Greatly reduces evaporation. I use some craft tool plastic mesh at the back of the tank so no gas exchange issues either.

Dmorty217 · 01/20/2020, 12:00 PM

My tank is 7ftx6ft (LxW) so there’s not covers on it and I’m not really sure how I would cover it. I don’t have any prone jumpers but all fish can jump out of your tank. It’s a calculated risk

Vinny Kreyling · 01/20/2020, 12:03 PM

Dmorty,
I can offer a suggestion if you are interested.

alton · 01/21/2020, 06:35 AM

One of the biggest complaints about AI or Radion LEDS is the spot lighting effect you get. By using glass tops they become a diffuser and the lighting of your tank equals out. I picked up 6 used AI lights and I already had 4 build my led lights

01/18/2020, 03:40 PM	#1
PENNYWISE Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Derry, Maine Posts: 164	Does my tank need a top? Anyone run a tank with no cover? Just open water? Any things I should consider? I can never get the shadow of the seam that runs down the middle to be at the right spot. Without the cover the light from my LEDs look amazing.

01/18/2020, 04:21 PM	#2
hkgar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dewitt MI Posts: 5,051	Do you have fish or are you going to have fish? Do you mind periodically finding one of the fish, maybe that $200 tang, one the floor. If so, yes a top. All fish jump as so will at times be on the floor with no top. __________________ Gary 180 gallon, 40 gallon sump, 3 250 W MH + 4 80W ATI T5's, MTC MVX 36 Skimmer, Apex controller Aquamaxx T-3 CaRx Current Tank Info: A 2 Barred Rabbitfish, Red Head Salon, Yellow/Purple, McMaster Fairy, Possum, 2 Leopard Wrasses, Kole, & Atlantic Blue Tangs, 2 Percula Clown, 3 PJ and 1 Banggai Cardinalfish , Swallowtail, Bellus and Coral Beauty Angels

01/18/2020, 05:05 PM	#3
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Screen top is what you need. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

01/18/2020, 05:55 PM	#4
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	I’ll vote for a screen top as well. Blocks minimal light, allows for great oxygen exchange, and can be DIY’d easily and inexpensively. Why wouldn’t you??? __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

01/20/2020, 12:00 PM	#7
Dmorty217 Saltwater Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vandalia OHIO Posts: 11,624	My tank is 7ftx6ft (LxW) so there’s not covers on it and I’m not really sure how I would cover it. I don’t have any prone jumpers but all fish can jump out of your tank. It’s a calculated risk __________________ Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs

01/19/2020, 12:49 PM	#5
josbur63 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Cincinnati,Ohio Posts: 135	I have mangroves in my display tank,so a little hard for them to grow with a top on.Havent had a problem with jumping fish,but i make it a point not to purchase those prone to jumping.

01/20/2020, 07:35 AM	#6
Constantine Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 128	I have glass tops. You can remove the hinge part and then just lift the front panel out of the way or slide it back on top of the other panel. I think it's actually easier to use with a light resting on top of the tank, then using the hinges. And there isn't a shadow from it either. Greatly reduces evaporation. I use some craft tool plastic mesh at the back of the tank so no gas exchange issues either.

01/20/2020, 12:03 PM	#8
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Dmorty, I can offer a suggestion if you are interested. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.