Tank covers

[Dukeblue13]

Hello all I started this post by writing a very long story of my reasonings behind this question but erased it all and I'm just jumping to the question. I have glass tank covers and I don't want to have them anymore lol. I want to have a semi open top to allow evaporation/gas exchange and prevent my fish from jumping out. Any recommendations on coverings that will allow that and not affect the lighting for my corals?

 

[esquare]

I went with the D-D Jumpguard Pro DIY Aquarium Cover and have been happy. I do want to upgrade to something like Clearview Lids.

The D-D is more of a DYI that allows for customization so it may be what you are looking for.

 

[Reeferbadness]

I have 2 x Red Sea DIY covers - both are very sturdy and work really well. It takes a while to customize them but it's well worth it

 

[CO2TLEY]

I went with the standard lid from water box but will be switching over to Kraken Reef

 

[VintageReefer]

I just got these. Yes I was sent two lefts by mistake. The feeding ports are supposed to be on outside corners. The builder / seller apologized and is sending a replacement right side.

It’s completely custom, I got to pick the door size, and location / quantity or aeration holes.

Very nicely made, this was approx 85$ for a set for a 75g tank

 

[fishface NJ]

DIY cover. Get the netting from BRS and go to Lowes/Home Depot for window screen frame kit

 

[Dom]

Hello all I started this post by writing a very long story of my reasonings behind this question but erased it all and I'm just jumping to the question. I have glass tank covers and I don't want to have them anymore lol. I want to have a semi open top to allow evaporation/gas exchange and prevent my fish from jumping out. Any recommendations on coverings that will allow that and not affect the lighting for my corals?

Use the glass coverings, just prop them up in the back to create a vent.

 

[OctaviusBrine]

Depending on the shape and size you have you can make your own. Or there are a few acrylic ones you can measure and get custom made such as clear view and kraken. Keep in mind they do take a bit of time to get.

I have clear view. I like it I don’t know how I’d feel if I had to buy another one. I have mixed feelings about it.

 

[Tray21]

I made 2 DIY mesh screen tops for less than 30 bucks for my 90 gallon. It allows for air to freely flow without any fish jumping out. I did buy an extra two boxes of 4 window frame corners because I will eventually modify the screens further when I get an auto feeder but whole project took less than 20 minutes.

 

[reef tank 2.0]

as @fishface NJ said, i do the same with the netting and HD screen frame. the netting does not interfere with the light, and you have the option of getting the nylon netting with a 1/4" or 1/8" grid pattern. its definitely a cheaper option if you don't mind the DIY look.

 

[VintageReefer]

Solid covering helps with evaporation and temp stability. I added the aeration holes mainly as drains for equipment such as tongs or turkey baster and kept the majority of the lid solid.

 

[reef tank 2.0]

won't the solid coverings interfere with the light output? Mainly due to the condensation and acrylic or glass combined?

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

DIY cover. Get the netting from BRS and go to Lowes/Home Depot for window screen frame kit

I went w toplids. Lazy. Just sayin. lol

 

[tsharpe291]

I went w toplids. Lazy. Just sayin. lol

second on top lids, not lazy just impressed with them. not the cheapest but worth it IMO.

 

[ThaBeast]

I have a mesh cover from OctoAquatics, I've been happy with it so far

 

[VintageReefer]

won't the solid coverings interfere with the light output? Mainly due to the condensation and acrylic or glass combined?

It’s marginal / negligible
I have a par meter. If the lid is completely clear it’s basically undetectable. Like 2-5 par. If the lid has condensation it’s around 10 par

 

[bradoetman]

First, I’m a Dukie too!

Second, I’m new to the hobby (6 months), but I really like my Kraken lid on my nano tank. High quality stuff!

Kraken Reef® | Premium Aquarium Lids

We focus on producing quality custom products for your aquarium in a timely manner to ensure your tank inhabitants are safe and secure. Our clear aquarium lids are one of the cleanest options out there to keep your fish safe. - Kraken Reef - The Kraken Reef - thekrakenreef - @thekrakenreef -

krakenreef.com

Hello all I started this post by writing a very long story of my reasonings behind this question but erased it all and I'm just jumping to the question. I have glass tank covers and I don't want to have them anymore lol. I want to have a semi open top to allow evaporation/gas exchange and prevent my fish from jumping out. Any recommendations on coverings that will allow that and not affect the lighting for my corals?

 

[MarkSC]

Use the glass coverings, just prop them up in the back to create a vent.

This. I have two cats so I had a custom made glass in two pieces (less weight) with a hole cut for feeding. I also leave about 1 inch between the two panels for more breathability. I used glass bumpers all around to elevate 1/2 inch. There is plenty of evaporation and no moisture on the glass. Love it.

 

[Richsoar]

For those of you who use Mesh, do you have issues with Salt clogging the screen? I've always had solid covers and have a lot of salt creep at every seam.

 

[esquare]

A little build up where there is a lot of water agitation but no clogging