Lid, Screen, or Open Top?

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Photo by @Rocktron1 ​

The top of the tank can seem like a small detail. ...until you have a jumper, evaporation to manage, or a lid that makes routine access awkward.

Some reefers cover the whole tank, some use a partial screen, and some prefer to leave it open. What works best can depend on the fish you keep, your setup, and what tradeoffs you’re comfortable with.

What does the top of your reef look like, and what led you to that choice?

BONUS POINTS: Have you changed your setup after a fish jumped, evaporation became a hassle, or you found a cover that worked better?

 

[exnisstech]

Open top but I don't recommend it, I just don't feel like spending a ton on a custom lid. Also I'm running tunze orcas so I would need cut outs for those. Than itself isn't a big deal but then I'm committed to never being able to move the power heads or I can't use the lid.

 

[Uncle99]

Tight fitting mesh.
Have no more losses.
Quite inexpensive

 

[mfinn]

I've use all of the above over the years.
Started with glass tops to help keep the light fixtures from falling in.
Made aluminum frame with window screen material. Bought and expensive polycarbonate top, and gone open top.
Currently using a DD Jumpguard top which is a type of diy kit that has alot of options.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Screen Top 100% - not a fan of air crisped fish on my floors

I have an acrylic frame screen top from Kraken that's my favorite, but the DD Jump Guard on my other tank is great too, just tends to oxidize around the cuts after a year or two and looks ugly.

 

[Saltyreef]

I have a stock IM mesh screen on my nuvo. I had a jawfish make it through the stock mesh screen and turned into fish jerky so i bought some smaller mesh from brs and rescreened it. The small gobies and dartfish seem to know the tank has an emergency overflow cutout cause i routinely find them in the rear chamber with the lid on.