Closed vs Open Tank

saltlife26 · Jul 9, 2018

hey all, I have a fluval 13.5 gallon and as most of you know it comes with a cover that houses the lights. My temp has been between 78-79 degrees. I ordered a Red Sea diy mesh lid along kit and the AI Prime HD light. Are there any pros and cons for having a fully covered lid vs a mesh lid? I do like the fact that I’m able to program the lights in the AI HD as opposed to turning on my lights when I leave in the morn and off when I get back in the evening. Thanks

Crabs McJones · Jul 10, 2018

With the mesh lid, your temperature will stay lower, and it will promote better gas exchange. You will have to top off with freshwater more however. and your light will be better utilized without a cover to block your par output.

Gareth elliott · Jul 10, 2018

I have used both. Mesh are far easier.

Easy to move, glass lids are heavy in comparison.

Safer if theres small children or pets Mesh lid falls off its not slicing a finger or tail.

Dont have to clean salt spray constantly.

Only place i still use glass lids are terrariums where i want to lock in some humidity.

Btw you will love the Prime have 3 on my tank.

scott11106 · Jul 10, 2018

better off to use a mesh cover for the reasons stated above. i do not have a cover at all and the only downfall is the occasional jumper and a bunch of evaporation but the evaporation is a good thing and i have thought about a mesh cover also but i dont want an additional item to clean..lol

Greybeard · Jul 10, 2018

Glass lids, IMHO, are better reserved for terrariums, cages where humidity is important. On a marine aquarium, they reduce gas exchange, and are constantly in need of cleaning. Letting them build up salt crust, or even water droplets will reduce light on a reef. Plastic lids are pretty much the same thing... Housing escape artists would be the only reason I'd have one on a marine aquarium, say, if you were keeping a big eel, or an octopus. Something that would be likely to destroy a mesh lid. They do cut down on evaporation, which can be a good thing, or not... depending on how your system runs.

Mesh lids work well for most reefs. Keep fish from jumping (and yes, virtually ALL fish can jump!) I've even seen smaller fish jump THROUGH 1/2" eggcrate. Lights generally pass right through, with little or no deflection. They'll evaporate quite a bit more, but as I said, that can be a good thing. I run Kalkwasser... you can't add more than your tank evaporates every day. I'm not currently, but I've even been known to put a fan on the tank surface, intended to increase evaporation.

Artfully Acrylic, among others, make a very nice looking screen top, if a bit pricey. They don't really work any better than a DIY or kit screen top, but they sure do look better.

Me? I'm running an open top system. Will I loose fish? Already have. Had a clown jump on me, six months in. Haven't lost another in the six months since... Irresponsible? Perhaps, but this is a hobby... and if you're not going to be happy with your system, then why bother? I designed this system very carefully, low, fat, and wide. Beveled and polished rimless edges, a free floating, ceiling mounted lighting system... I like the look. It's got one clam in it now, and will have several more, in time. I really like the top down view of my reef, and I'm unwilling to give it up.