Glass top or no glass top?

y2says

y2says

Member
Well, I just bought a 180g that is going to be a reef tank. I also bought the glass top that came with it which were $69 per side. One LFS said I won't need it and one said I do. I know that it will help the water from evaporating, but I also know that it could disrupt the spectrum of the lights. I'm thinking about getting VHOs and I'm going to mount it on the canopy. What do you guys think? Should I take it back and save me $130.
 
twicklund

twicklund

Member
I don't use a glass top...I seem to remember someone posting information about the extra air flow being better for the tank, even though you have to add water more often...Not sure of the validity, but it was enough to convince me...
I would take it back and save the $$$...But, just my $.02...
 
ofalegend

ofalegend

Member
I'm debating a similar issue on a 55gallon long. I am in the process of building a custom canopy, which I will fit with four 55 watt PCs, 2 actinic and 2 10000k daylight bulbs. My question is similar, in that should I get a cover for the tank? And if so, would it hurt if I mount one solid piece of acrylic in the canopy below the lights, or should I get two that will fit on the tank openings (which wuold have to be cut to fit around protein skimmer and wet/dry filters. Interesting question to ponder. Opinions? :)
 
wolffam

wolffam

Member
Remove the top. Evaporation will increase so having a good supply of R/O is a must. The VHO will had some heat, but the air flow across the top will allow for it to escape from under the canopy. The glass would just trap the heat between the water and the glass raising the water temp. The glass also would have to be clean frequently, which will probably cause you to have to remove the canapy to get it out to clean. Too much work for one person in my opinion. HTH
 
broomer5

broomer5

Active Member
Personal preference I believe.
I do think if you don't have fish that are known to jump - an uncovered top is best.
Don't have any "proof" that an open top increases gas exchange and would allow heat to escape better, but common sense makes me believe it.
You either clean glass/acrylic or clean bulbs - if they are mounted near the water.
If it was me - I would take back the glass tops, grab the $130 bucks and apply that money towards a good RO/DI unit as wolffam mentioned - you'll need it.
Sounds like a nice tank too ;)
 
blackdog

blackdog

Member
I do the same thing as twoods. I have a 55-gal long, and bought 2 glass tops to cover each side of the tank. Right now I have one on and one off. Water evaporates much faster uncovered. Water heats up to around 81 deg F when both covers are on (2x65W PC, 1x40W NO), so kind of borderline. You can see a noticeable change in the amount of light entering the tank when you add the glass cover, even when they are clean. I'm probably going to make an acrylic cover to put over just the NO light, bc it is just a standard canopy, not intended to be exposed to water.
 
reeferx

reeferx

Member
Open tops are great, esp. if you can suspend the lights so you can get a good top view! Better gas exchange and all that, but it is the view that rocks! I had one, I loved it (check out the link below.)
Broomer has a good point about jumpers though. My goby jumped out. You can counter this though by making a 2-3 inch glass lip that goes along the edge. That seems to work well.
Your call.
matt
 
predator

predator

Active Member
I do not use a top either. It will in fact bend the light as it passes through. And the glass top will make it hotter under there. I'm not a very technical person when it comes to this hobby. I am however one who is experiancing success. The heat from the bulbs inside the canopy will increase the amount of evaperation so you will be topping off your water level often. I do not want a ro unit. I have a lfs right across the street. I have seven 6 gallon gas cans I got from walmart. I just keep them full and have enough ro water to do top offs and bi weekly water changes for a month.
Just my 2 cents
<a href="http://hometown.aol.com/flmeangl44/index.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO SEE MY REEF :) </a>
 
nm reef

nm reef

Active Member
For the most part it is strictly a personal preference. I do not use any cover on my reef...I run 4x65 pc's & 2x110 vho's....they are in a custom canopy that has the lights far enough off the water that splash is not a problem....plus with the canopy design jumpers can't get out....I prefer the open top for gas exchange and better lighting penetration....besides I got real tired of cleaning the dang covers.Another benefit is feeding time...my canopy has 2 sliding doors on the front....just open and feed.
:cool:
 
k.lee

k.lee

Member
Yeah, jumpers, something, I can't have in my 45 atm. :( Looking into a custom top :( //just incase I get jumpers :( , but fish aren't a perogative, you see what, I have atm, below.
If I addecd a tang, I could definately be in trouble (yes, I knowa hippo (what, I want, could quicly /in theory out growthe tank, if it didn't take a "free-ride").
 
josh

josh

Active Member
Hi,
Well I just removed my glass top on my 29 gall. I used the glass b/c I use a JBJ formosa hood ( not retrofit ), but recently went out and bought some eggcrate and just put it on the sides of the tank to support the edges of the lights . . no eggcrate is under the lamps. And WOW, the difference is stunning, the glass blocks a lot more light than I thought it did. The heat was never really a problem, but the tank temp has dropped about 2 deg, which is a good thing to help it stay more constant and I evaporate about 1/2 gall more a day, so that helps with kalk addition. I can't vouch for looking down, I am sure it is beautiful, but if at possible go WITHOUT the glass.
-Josh-
 
y2says

y2says

Member
Yea, I think I'm going to take back the glass tops. I rather use the money for something else. Thanks everyone.
 
chevron tang

chevron tang

Member
i wouldn't use a glass top. first of all it is not going to give your light its full effect and second you are going to have major salt creep on the tops. personally the only benefit i would see to having a top for a saltwater tank is to eliminate the amount of water evaporation. i have never had a top on my tank.
 
efrank

efrank

Member
What about the screen tops they sell for tanks? I hate using a glass top but I have had fish jump before. Even non-jumpers sometimes jump. Has anyone ever used a screen?
 
predator

predator

Active Member
I gave one to a friend for a octopus tank. He says it works like a champ. Just be sure and get one of the ones that is heat resistant. Like the metal one used for reptiles.
 
reeferx

reeferx

Member
Fine.
I will be the first to ask, c'mon lore really? Are you just living up to your name here? Is this just another fish tale?? DETAILS PLEASE!!!
 
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