Do i need a cover for my reef tank?

[mgoesma]

I ended up making a clear screen cover. I think it looks good and will alow gas exchange and evaporation. It only cost about $25

 

[mgoesma]

As nother please pic.

 

[ltrace]

What materials did you use and where did you purchase them?

 

[ltrace]

Btw it looks nice.

 

[Joshblah]

better to have a cover on it

 

[mgoesma]

I didn't use a glass cover because I live in FL and I have problems keeping the tank cool. The frame is aluminum with plastic corners. I picked up a kit for $11 at Lowes. The screen is clear netting 1/4 in holes. Found it on amazon for like $14.

 

[mgoesma]

here is a link to what I used:
Screen kit - http://www.lowes.com/pd/New-York-Wire-48-in-x-48-in-White-Screen-Frame-Kit/3092641
netting - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OABXY9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You will also need to get an extra set of corners if you are making two like I did.

 

[ltrace]

Thank you. Actually I have to make 3 separate sections because my top is divided into three section. I still have to find something strong enough to hold the weight of the light in each section. the lights now sit on top of the glass.

 

[BigHildy53]

What is it about Artfully Acrylic lids that really separates them from say a dyi kit from BRS? Is it just looks? Or ate there functional benefits also?

 

[ltrace]

It has to look better than what I presently have and functioned to hold the lights themselves.

 

[mgoesma]

Are the light stand adjustable. they look like they are. if so you can put the lights on the cross members and put a screen over the holes.

 

[mgoesma]

Thank you. Actually I have to make 3 separate sections because my top is divided into three section. I still have to find something strong enough to hold the weight of the light in each section. the lights now sit on top of the glass.

I think its just looks ant the ability to make custom shapes. screens only come with 90 degree corners and you have to separate them by about 2 inches. as you see in mine I actually moved my fan to the back wall so my screens did not have to go around the fan mounts. I personally just could not justify the cost.

 

[beckyp]

I am trying to decide if I need or should have a cover over my tank. the lights set on the edge of the glass so I am not sure how it would work and looking through some the net ones cost over $100. There is also a divider across the top. does anyone have a similar set up that can show me what they did?

I have an All-In-One set up I just bought from someone already set up. The previous owner did not have a lid and the tank had pet hair in it. I couldn't find a lid online that would fit the 22.75in x15in opening I needed. I found a plastics fabrication place in the city where I live. They cut me a piece of plexiglass to fit the opening for $30. I had to drill a few small spaces for the wires to go through. I bought clips called "6pcs Clear Color Acrylic Aquarium Fish Tank Glass Cover Clip Support Holder,6mm" from Amazon for $4.86. It looks nice.