lids question

[ChrisfromBrick]

never had a lid but im biting the bullet.

As you know we are constantly scraping algae on our glass and sticking our hands in our tanks to move things, flip snails, etc.

If I get a lid, toplids/walter lids/kraken, are these things easy to pop off or to the side to do my maintenance? It wont stop my decision to get one but I dont like the idea of it being really annoying for maintenance., One thing to note is that my lighting will soon be floating from the ceiling so that isnt an obstruction.

 

[tbrown]

never had a lid but im biting the bullet.

As you know we are constantly scraping algae on our glass and sticking our hands in our tanks to move things, flip snails, etc.

If I get a lid, toplids/walter lids/kraken, are these things easy to pop off or to the side to do my maintenance? It wont stop my decision to get one but I dont like the idea of it being really annoying for maintenance., One thing to note is that my lighting will soon be floating from the ceiling so that isnt an obstruction.

Most lid companies allow you to customize your lid to your liking/needs. Get one with multiple access panels so you can remove those portions without uncovering the entirety of the tank.

Usually, the access panels have a small handle for ease of picking up and they sit inside a depression somewhat loosely for ease of removal.

I personally use egg crate and I cut a section of the egg crate out, printed a couple of "clips" and then set the cut piece back in place with the clips. On my 36" x 21" tank I have an access panel that's approximately 18" x 18". I rarely have to remove the entire lid.

 

[The_Bro]

I have a TopLids. They walk you through the creation of it, if you call them. They make sure its perfect for your needs.
You literally just lift it off your tank to remove it. Or use the access door for feeding and water testing

 

[steveschuerger]

I’ve always had lids. The IM tanks usually come with them and I’ve had 2 Kraken lids. Highly recommend the Kraken.

 

[exnisstech]

No lids here but I used to have an acrylic / mesh lid on my old reefer 170 and I just lifted it off and set it aside when working in the tank.

 

[rtparty]

On my NYOS 440 I had Top Lids build the tops and they are amazing. They were the best price with the options I was looking for. Black mesh was a must for me. Others made you upgrade to higher end models to get black mesh and jacked the price up.

They built mine in 2 sections so I can just remove the one side needed. Very easy to take off and put back on. None of them are cheap though so plan ahead. For example, on the left section I had them add an auto feeder cutout. I’ve never used it for that but it’s been awesome for the Tunze ORCA. My right side screen doesn’t have that sadly so I have to buy a new top for that side to accommodate another orca

 

[Waters]

As stated, all the big name covers just lift off. Yes, it is a pain compared to not having a lid but it is worth it to save your fish.

 

[B&CinB.C.]

If you get a solid lid I recommend getting one with access panels that lift off as @tbrown posted. We have a solid lid with hinged access panels on the front . When you lift off the lid condensation water pours off of it and the hinged access doors on the front flop around . We also have a reefbreeders light with end mounts sitting on it which is a PITA but you wont have to worry about that . To be honest with you I hate this lid

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

As stated, all the big name covers just lift off. Yes, it is a pain compared to not having a lid but it is worth it to save your fish.

totally agree- Yesterday my fairy wrasse literally jumped over my head and landed on the shelf next to me..scooped him up and he was fine. lol

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

Most lid companies allow you to customize your lid to your liking/needs. Get one with multiple access panels so you can remove those portions without uncovering the entirety of the tank.

Usually, the access panels have a small handle for ease of picking up and they sit inside a depression somewhat loosely for ease of removal.

I personally use egg crate and I cut a section of the egg crate out, printed a couple of "clips" and then set the cut piece back in place with the clips. On my 36" x 21" tank I have an access panel that's approximately 18" x 18". I rarely have to remove the entire lid.

Yea- I am going to customize, but I still feel like it will still be too narrow an opening for scraping glass for example (not using a magnetic scraper) and be awkward. No big deal I will just take lid off for that. Like someone said it is a small price to pay for saving my fish.

 

[tbrown]

Yea- I am going to customize, but I still feel like it will still be too narrow an opening for scraping glass for example (not using a magnetic scraper) and be awkward. No big deal I will just take lid off for that. Like someone said it is a small price to pay for saving my fish.

Yep, mine is definitely difficult when scraping glass. Removing the entire lid, or at least the front half of the lid would be significantly easier to handle.