gas exchange

[lawdawg161]

Is it necessary/preferable to have some openings in the top of the tank so there can be some gas exchange? A lot of people suggest using eggcrate, but I have found it to be a little difficult to cut. You have to cut all around the back where the skimmer, filter, heater, etc are. Does anyone have any other suggestions, or is eggcrate the standard?

 

[murph145]

on my tank i have a canopy that has 2 lids under the lids is a piece of acrylic over the tank to keep splash out and things from going into the tank.... theres two cut outs on the acrylic for feeding holes or putting stuff into the tank in general...
lately i have removed these two acrylic covers to give some air escape route and i have noticed the tank keeps cooler which was a problem since my VHO's were so close to the top it would over heat the tank but now it keeps at 78
id recommend some open area

 

[mudplayerx]

I don't use the acrylic attachments either, I have about a 2 - 1/2 inch wide gap all along the rear top of my tank for gas exchange.