Glass top yes or no with hood?

[black777]

Hello every one I orderd my 90 gal tank with a drilled bottom. The stand and a hood. Should I order the glass top or go with out. I'v seen two tanks with hoods that didn't have a glass top. mmmmmm Silly ? But what do you guys do. I'm going to put a fan in the hood also. :notsure:

 

[milomlo]

glass tops restrict gas exchanges. Go without the glass. It you want to put a top on use egg crate to keep jumpers from doing just that.

 

[1journeyman]

Gas tops also trap in heat. With Bright lights this can be a very bad thing.
I vote no glass top.

 

[granny]

True,
But the glass also protects your lights if you intend to place them directly over the tank. If you are suspending them above-at least 12 inches, that isnt an issue, but salt and electicity dont mix.
If you have a sump and you keep your glass clean, your light is not impeded, nor do you have a problem with 'gas exchange' as the aeration is greatly enhanced.
dont forget the power heads!!
I dont like the look of egg crate or like salt splash on my walls, but then my tank is in a main living area for all to see! and-my lights sit right above my tank-on little bun feet.

 

[1journeyman]

Well, I'd cut down on any "splashing" before I'd use glass tops.
Agreed, however, that with a well aerated sump many of the issues are resloved (except for the heat)

 

[granny]

Thats one of the neat things about ths hobby-so many different things work and its a matter of preference in a lot of cases.
As long as we provide the best habitat for our fish-thats what matters.
How do you cut down on splashing?? With all the aeration and waves, you can see the water droplets flying up with the lids off.

 

[1journeyman]

True.. variations really help us fine tune our tanks.
To reduce splashing, I make sure all of my inputs are below water level. Problem solved. I've got close to 36x turnover in my tank (210 with 20 gallon refugium) using Magnum pumps in closed loops. I rarely have to clean my lights.

 

[granny]

Sounds great!
Nice talking to you.
splish splash!!

 

[black777]

Thanks for the input, I just want to do the right thing for my tank when I start it up. Maybe I should get the glass top, then take it off later if it dosn't work for me. I'll ask more questions, I can always buy a glass top later. Well thanks.

 

[mikeyjer]

I only put Glass tops on at night wth the back plastic strips off so there's still gas exchange. I had to put it on because of my hairy dog. Her hair goes everywhere. I keep a running fan at night and the tank is placed in my bed room. The dog sleeps with us so there goes all the flying hair..... :happyfish

 

[mrstwig]

I have to say that I LOVE the eggcrate on the top under my hood. The glass was continually needing wiped and the eggcrate works perfectly allowing the light to filter through but keeping any jumping problems at bay. I am so glad I switched to the eggcrate, I have my glass tops but I will never use them again. You do have more evaporation with the eggcrate, but that is the only downside and I doubt that it is that much extra for the convienence. Just my opinion.......... :happyfish

 

[mrdc]

I go top less

But I do have a lot of evaporated water. I've lost one fish due to jumping. If this becomes a problem, I will be adding the eggcrate (at least towards the back part of the tank).

 

[whitey]

where do you get the egg crate and is it easy to cut to fit?

 

[mrdc]

Originally Posted by Whitey
where do you get the egg crate and is it easy to cut to fit?

I got mine from Home Depot in the light section. I think it's called a diffuser but the tag on it does say eggcrate. It's easy to cut and fit also.

 

[1journeyman]

Personally, I think canopies are the way to go. I used plastic window screening along the entire back of my canopy. Nice and open, but prevents jumpers.

 

[misfit]

tThats what we did, with ours, i agree canopy is the best way to go covers the lights and makes the whole thing look like a piece of the furniture.

 

[mrdc]

I guess I should state that I also use a canopy. Thanks 1journeyman, I will add that to my new canopy which should be finished this weekend. I'm ready to get those halides in.

 

[black777]

You say you use a canopy, I ordered my tank with a canopy also. But you didn't say you use glass under your canopy. My wife called the store today to see what he thought and they say use a glass top with a canopy untill you get use to the tank, being new at this.

 

[fishrdp]

Anyone with any lightin suggestions for lighting a 54 gallon corner. would like to start trying some corals. :help:

 

[agent707]

In response to original poster: I use glass top because it keeps the mess down. I have a few air rocks in my tank, and they make a mess but good I tell ya.
In response to fishrdp:
Don't build one like I did. You won't save any money. Just buy factory built. Unless you REALLY are into DIY.
Though I do have a nice looking solid oak hood for my tank. It was hella expensive in the end. It's not for corals though, it has 4 compact flourescent lights in it (100 watts total). From what I read, you'll want at least 150 to 200 watts. MH or maybe 6 high output flourescents.