Getting fish without a lid

[limejuice82]

So I have a custom lid on the way for my max nano, but it might not arrive for another 3 weeks.

So I wondered - is it a bad idea to get a couple of clownfish with the bare top?

I know the tanks come without a lid for aesthetic purposes so someone out there must have success without a lid but just wanted to hear some thoughts on this or if it’s not worth the risk…

Thank you!

 

[JTP424]

If you can grab a piece of plexi or something to throw on top with the fish in there that may be beneficial.
Otherwise don't be surprised if a fish goes carpet surfing.

 

[limejuice82]

If you can grab a piece of plexi or something to throw on top with the fish in there that may be beneficial.
Otherwise don't be surprised if a fish goes carpet surfing.

Wouldn’t that limit gas exchange in the aquarium?

 

[get-salty]

Hey hello.

You are absolutely fine with clowns.
just dont add any wrasses, firefish, or gobies.

Gook luck and welcome !

 

[exnisstech]

i don't run lids but it comes with a risk because any fish can jump. My female clown jumps but she always jumps into the return chamber of my AIO.

 

[Tommy B]

I wouldn't say your absolutely fine with clowns, err on the side of caution unless your willing to lose your fish. depends on the fish too, one of my clowns has fairly "normal" behavior and the smaller one tries to jump all the time because he likes a spot near the surface.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Never had clowns jumping out of my tank, but my goby and firefish were prone to trying to carpet surf

 

[BryanM]

I had a lid for my 4 footer as I believed if you kept fish you had to have a lid.

I upgraded to a 6 footer, and it remains lid free.

There's definitely a risk, but I feel its fairly low.

 

[winzig]

I lost a clown to carpet surfing

 

[Patx]

Lost a jumping Banggai Cardinals 14years ago...
I've been using lid ever since, no matter what.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Temporary fix (Home Depo/Lowes); cuts to size with a pair of sharp wire snips. Put one piece on top of the other slightly off-set, to make the holes in the grate even smaller. When your lid comes, this stuff is still good to have on hand-- such as to put inside a tank to divide one fish off from the others, and other temporary uses. Best wishes

 

[christinna77]

The most preventable and pointless death is when a fish jumps out of a lidless tank. Get a lid before you get fish.

 

[Hairyteeth]

Temporary fix (Home Depo/Lowes); cuts to size with a pair of sharp wire snips. Put one piece on top of the other slightly off-set, to make the holes in the grate even smaller. When your lid comes, this stuff is still good to have one hand-- such as to put inside a tank to divide one fish off from the others, and other temporary uses. Best wishes

Totally in this boat, always have one piece on hand….such a useful
Thing!

 

[Reefer Brent]

My clowns have never jumped...yet...had a chromis fly by my head while I was standing 8 feet from my tank watching them eat.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I have 5 lidless tanks, always had lidless tanks for 20 years. There are certain fish that do jump and I avoid those, but I've never had a clownfish jump. My last jumper was about 5 years ago.

 

[Waters]

Definately not fine with clowns....or any other fish lol. I have lost clowns, lionfish, etc.....fish you wouldn't think would jump. Give any fish enough time and there is a chance it will jump.

 

[Seansea]

I upgraded my 4' 75g to a 6' 180 a couple months ago. Ordered a lid but hasnt come in yet. 3 of my fish i have had for 3 years jumped. Without a lid you are rolling the dice.

 

[Largeangels]

Every fish can jump. I've had clowns jump so that is why I cover EVERY tank. I know lidless tanks look nice but I don't want to risk it.

 

[sgdnycct]

i don't run lids but it comes with a risk because any fish can jump. My female clown jumps but she always jumps into the return chamber of my AIO.

I’ve had a couple of clowns that liked doing this! What’s that about?

 

[exnisstech]

I’ve had a couple of clowns that liked doing this! What’s that about?

I don't get it but one of these days I'm going to leave her lol. Its always my female that does it. I rigged up some egg crate to block it and my Gal said she saw her the other day looking like she wanted to go over so I think she's doing it on purpose.