Adding a lid to my aquarium.

[alfieh0]

there is lots of water that’s is evaporating from my reef tank, I want to get a lid but i didn’t want to block the light that is above the aquarium. I want to go with clear acrylic as it is easy to cut, but will the light be effected by doing this, will the corals get all the good stuff from the lights with my new lid.
If not are there any other suggestions about stopping the water from evaporating.

 

[MaiReef]

Don't worry about evaporation. Get an ATO. It keeps your parameters more steady anyway.

 

[flooddc]

Glass is best as acrylic will warp. Lid in general will reduce a bit of light penetration, but not too bad. just keep it clean as often as you can.

 

[alfieh0]

Don't worry about evaporation. Get an ATO. It keeps your parameters more steady anyway.

I need a lid as every morning there is water on my windows, and I live with my parents they don’t like that. :-D

 

[Auquanut]

A lid will also trap heat from your lights and limit gas exchange. Just something to consider.

 

[Waters]

You will need to clean the glass almost daily. The salt residue builds up pretty quick on glass tops. Sounds like the room just needs more ventilation lol. I never heard of water evaporating so quick that it is leaving water on the windows :(

 

[Captain Quint]

there is lots of water that’s is evaporating from my reef tank, I want to get a lid but i didn’t want to block the light that is above the aquarium. I want to go with clear acrylic as it is easy to cut, but will the light be effected by doing this, will the corals get all the good stuff from the lights with my new lid.
If not are there any other suggestions about stopping the water from evaporating.

Another alternative is to consider some of the best lids for any tank. (still juggling some finances to get one from him) is @cromag27 who is a wonderful here who makes quality stuff.

 

[norfolkgarden]

Sounds like you have single pane windows?

Hard to keep the evaporation off of them.

We have a glass lid and love it.

Problems

3 drips of water (or a lot more) every time you remove it. Keep a rag or some paper towels handy before hand.

Salt creep at the edges. Clean once a week.

Glass collects algae. Clean twice a week. Lol, fat chance, softies are forgiving.
Just don't let it go more than a week. The clean change can burn corals.


The Good

Cheap lights sit near it without getting covered in salt spray.

2 super cheap 4' thin blue led strips sit on top of it. Towards front and back. Main semi cheap light is 10" above tank/glass cover in middle.

About 1.5 gallon evaporation per week on 75 gallon tank. [emoji846]

 

[Katrina71]

+1 on @cromag27

 

[Captain Quint]

+1 on @cromag27

Yes, OP.

Please check out his lids. You will be impressed and get the best of security and a nice blend of mesh for proper evap. He has them for several tanks and can completely customize to what you wish to have. ;)