Glass Tops

[Lisa Cain]

Has anyone had major problems with glass tops and light transmission? I have a 120 gallon and two Kessel 360X Tuna Blue light. New Tank.

 

[Fish Fan]

Some use them, but I don't care for glass tops on a saltwater tank. They can block light with calcium and salt-creep build up, and they can limit gas exchange in the tank.

I hope that helps!

 

[painter1982]

I wonder how they affect gas exchange and ph? They definitely would lower par.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I prefer mesh tops on top of tanks, but that is just me!

 

[Freenow54]

Has anyone had major problems with glass tops and light transmission? I have a 120 gallon and two Kessel 360X Tuna Blue light. New Tank.

yes but others shot me down

 

[JumboShrimp]

I have glass tops on my 150-gallon tanks, and glass tops over most of the custom sumps as well. That being said, it is a FOWLER with a large skimmer, and return nozzles at the water's surface. Without corals, loss of light penetration is not much of an issue (due to a salt spray or sometimes a light algae layer on the tank glass). Your goals may be different. But I appreciate how it cuts down on evaporation and the need to keep reservoirs filled.

 

[vlangel]

I have glass tops but I am old school. They do need to be cleaned periodically but its not hard when I am doing a water change.

As far as gas exchange, I have had glass tops a lot of years (I started in the late 90s) and I serviced tanks for a lfs's customers and never found it to be a problem. On the plus side, you most likely do not need an ATO (which I have seen fail and crash tanks). They are low profile and keep fish from jumping.

 

[Freenow54]

I have glass tops but I am old school. They do need to be cleaned periodically but its not hard when I am doing a water change.

As far as gas exchange, I have had glass tops a lot of years (I started in the late 90s) and I serviced tanks for a lfs's customers and never found it to be a problem. On the plus side, you most likely do not need an ATO (which I have seen fail and crash tanks). They are low profile and keep fish from jumping.

ATO crashed a Tank ? I lose about 2 litres a week on my 100

 

[Freenow54]

I did not say you cant achieve the par you need if the light is powerful enough . I was not the one that said you don't get proper gas exchange. That was from other people here and I see it as a valid point How would I know except my Tank looks terrible after a week with a glass top on it

 

[Lisa Cain]

Thanks for all of the advice and input.

 

[vlangel]

ATO crashed a Tank ? I lose about 2 litres a week on my 100

In every case that I know of was due to the ATO sticking on and flooding the aquariums with fresh water, which resulted in the salinity going down to an uninhabitable point so all the life died. I have had both sensor type and float switch type and have had both fail. To protect my tank, I kept my reservoir small enough that should it empty into the tank it would not negatively impact the aquarium. I only use an ATO when I am travelling and going to be gone a week or so.

 

[Freenow54]

In every case that I know of was due to the ATO sticking on and flooding the aquariums with fresh water, which resulted in the salinity going down to an uninhabitable point so all the life died. I have had both sensor type and float switch type and have had both fail. To protect my tank, I kept my reservoir small enough that should it empty into the tank it would not negatively impact the aquarium. I only use an ATO when I am travelling and going to be gone a week or so.

Interesting point and I will remember that as I intended to get one on the advice that my normal habit is to add maybe a litre and a half of Rodi all at once. Someone suggessted that that may be to big of a swing. So if you only use the ATO when you are away what do you normally do. I am retired so I can conform to anything

 

[Freenow54]

Maybe I will make one using a toilet set up . I have never had one fail. Especially the ball type good torque. What do you think?

 

[vlangel]

Interesting point and I will remember that as I intended to get one on the advice that my normal habit is to add maybe a litre and a half of Rodi all at once. Someone suggessted that that may be to big of a swing. So if you only use the ATO when you are away what do you normally do. I am retired so I can conform to anything

With my 75g and most of it covered with the glass top, (except where the canister intake and output enter the tank and where the mangroves stick out of the tank which is also where the auto feeder is) I lose less than a gallon a week. That is very little swing in salinity and parameters so I just add that or correct with my weekly water change. My selection of sturdy coral and fish do not mind.

 

[Lisa Cain]

With my 75g and most of it covered with the glass top, (except where the canister intake and output enter the tank and where the mangroves stick out of the tank which is also where the auto feeder is) I lose less than a gallon a week. That is very little swing in salinity and parameters so I just add that or correct with my weekly water change. My selection of sturdy coral and fish do not mind.

Thank you!