Plastic/glass hood for tank - pros/cons/alternatives?

[aKlevans]

Hey everybody,
I'm thinking of getting a plastic or glass lid for my tank to cut down on the evaporation, which is really high. I also want to make sure I don't have any fish jumping out of the tank. However, I don't want to block off too much light for my corals.

Any suggestions?

 

[tdileo]

As long as you have a good light, it won't block out enough to matter. Wipe it down maybe once a week to get the salt buildup off. I have one I cut myself and it helped with evaporation. Lots of people say it messes with gas exchange though, but in my experience nothing bad happened from that

 

[jeff williams]

By plastic I'm assuming you mean acrylic ? If so go with Lexon it don't warp like cast or extruded acrylic

 

[aKlevans]

As long as you have a good light, it won't block out enough to matter. Wipe it down maybe once a week to get the salt buildup off. I have one I cut myself and it helped with evaporation. Lots of people say it messes with gas exchange though, but in my experience nothing bad happened from that

Ok, yeah that's kind of what I was thinking. Did you use plastic or glass?

 

[aKlevans]

By plastic I'm assuming you mean acrylic ? If so go with Lexon it don't warp like cast or extruded acrylic

Thanks for the info.

 

[tdileo]

I used Lexon. I have a bowfront so it was impossible to find a proper sized lid lol.

 

[aKlevans]

I'm actually having a hard time finding lexon (or lexan, I think its the same thing) near me. I looked for glass lids, but all of the ones I found have a huge ugly hinge in the middle that would block my lights. I considered removing the hinge, so that is one option.

Another option was to get a piece of glass cut to size. However, I have an HOB and other things attached to the back of my tank, and it would be hard to get glass cut to size perfectly.

My last option was the BRS DIY Screen Top Kit. I know it won't help with evaporation, but it looks a lot nicer and will still prevent fish from jumping out. Plus, it will keep the tank from getting too hot in the summer.

Which option do you think would be the best? Please let me know

 

[Mr. Bill]

As long as you have a good light, it won't block out enough to matter. Wipe it down maybe once a week to get the salt buildup off. I have one I cut myself and it helped with evaporation. Lots of people say it messes with gas exchange though, but in my experience nothing bad happened from that

Same, here. I've always used a glass cover or full hood on all my tanks with no ill effects. Many hardware/home supply stores will cut glass to fit. I usually leave room across the back for HOB equipment.

 

[aKlevans]

Same, here. I've always used a glass cover or full hood on all my tanks with no ill effects. Many hardware/home supply stores will cut glass to fit. I usually leave room across the back for HOB equipment.

Just wondering, how would you open the lid? Would it be two pieces?

 

[tdileo]

Just wondering, how would you open the lid? Would it be two pieces?

I pick the whole thing up. My tanks not huge but if yours is that would be a problem. Mine is 1 piece, 3 feet long

 

[aKlevans]

I ended up ordering a glass top with a clear hinge, which would not block light unlike some of the ones I've seen.

 

[roberthu526]

I have glass covers and I don't see any downside besides routine maintain needed. Keeps my wrasses in the water, reduce humidity in the room. However if you don't run AC in the summer than glass cover can be a problem.