Hey all...I had an open top 77 g saltwater tank I had to tear down a few years ago? Finally getting it set up again as a planted freshwater tank. Just wondering what the general feel is as to covers. I don't want to decrease light penetration...and also don't want glare entering the room. I have no problem choosing fish that don't jump if it's better to have an open tank. My main concern it the lighting fixture rests on the edge of the tank...guess I'm worried it could fall in. What do you guts think! *twirlysmi
Aquarium cover
- Thread starter AquaMan1
- Start date
Hello AquaMan1, welcome to the forum.
I have open-topped planted tanks, but my lights are on legs that keep them away from any possible water splash or condensation.
If your lights rest directly on the tank, you MAY run into heat problems with the fixture and the rim. I would recommend either putting the lights on legs, or covering the tank with a glass top to prevent water splash/condensation on the light fixture. You can have glass cut rather cheaply at home-improvement type stores if you don't want the 'stock' tops that are available. The plastic hinges on those do block a good bit of light.
I have open-topped planted tanks, but my lights are on legs that keep them away from any possible water splash or condensation.
If your lights rest directly on the tank, you MAY run into heat problems with the fixture and the rim. I would recommend either putting the lights on legs, or covering the tank with a glass top to prevent water splash/condensation on the light fixture. You can have glass cut rather cheaply at home-improvement type stores if you don't want the 'stock' tops that are available. The plastic hinges on those do block a good bit of light.
How you decided which fish don't jump?? I have never seen or heard any of my community type fish jump. I have glass covers on my tanks. I have found a platy and a red eyed tetra dead behind the tank so they obviously jumped through small openings. As far as knocking the light in - I wouldn't chance it. All you have to do it bump it when trying to retrieve a fish - either dead or alive - or anchor a plant etc. and you have the light in the tank.
If you want open top but don't want the fear (or reality) of the light falling in, you may want to think about suspending it from the ceiling. We've done this with a few tanks and it looks nice. The hardware probably doesn't cost more than $15. If it doesn't have hooks, have the cables go under the fixture to support it.
We have a few open-top tanks, and we occasionally lose fish. It's really a risk you take.
A full canopy makes the tank look finished, means you don't have glare and stops fish jumping out. They can be a pain to remove when you want to work in the tank. If it's a planted tank, you may work in it more than other tanks.
We have a few open-top tanks, and we occasionally lose fish. It's really a risk you take.
A full canopy makes the tank look finished, means you don't have glare and stops fish jumping out. They can be a pain to remove when you want to work in the tank. If it's a planted tank, you may work in it more than other tanks.
The mesh you can get at bulkreefsupply.com doesn't impede light. It is clear mesh with 1/4" squares. Egg crate does (it is sold as a light diffuser in home depot for a reason). I have my mesh screen kit but haven't actually made it yet, otherwise I would post a picture. DIY Aquarium Screen Top Netting Kits - Bulk Reef Supply
I haven't tried it.
I have seen posts with pictures from them. These type of light grids are designed to pass light. There's going to be losses, but minimal.
In regards to a 48" coralife light, look into an Odyssea 48" T5HOif you want to save some bucks. I love mine. It's got sturdy legs, but like said, things can happen.
I have seen posts with pictures from them. These type of light grids are designed to pass light. There's going to be losses, but minimal.
In regards to a 48" coralife light, look into an Odyssea 48" T5HOif you want to save some bucks. I love mine. It's got sturdy legs, but like said, things can happen.
The egg crate does cut down/diffuse the light somewhat. We have it on our saltwater tank. If your light is fairly good, it shouldn't cause a massive problem for plants in a tank (our corals seem to do well enough).
I should add that on a saltwater tank, the egg crate won't stop a determined fish from jumping out. Certain saltwater fish seem to jump out with much more determination than most freshwater fish, IME. In freshwater, a lot of it depends on which type of fish you plan to keep.
I should add that on a saltwater tank, the egg crate won't stop a determined fish from jumping out. Certain saltwater fish seem to jump out with much more determination than most freshwater fish, IME. In freshwater, a lot of it depends on which type of fish you plan to keep.