glass top
- Thread starter vince
- Start date
misty
Member
Vince, I really like how you're asking all of the right questions for me! We must be at the same stage of the game. 
I've given thought to this as well. Input I've had said that a glass top would not allow for beneficial gas/oxygen exchange. However, I don't want any fishies to take the leap. So it was suggested to me to have a canopy instead of a pendant. But in case I go MH, then I'd prefer a pendant due to the heat.
I'm still working on what lighting I want, etc., so I'm not to this point yet. But I do want my lights to work in some kind of set-up with a top (canopy, glass, etc.) I had at one point asked about a screen (top, yet gaseous exchange possible) but the replies indicated that a screen would screen out too much light.
I am now thinking about getting some plexiglass with holes in it (like the kind used for tank dividers)to allow for clear tank coverage as well as gaseous exchange.
Any more experienced out there have any thoughts on this?
I've given thought to this as well. Input I've had said that a glass top would not allow for beneficial gas/oxygen exchange. However, I don't want any fishies to take the leap. So it was suggested to me to have a canopy instead of a pendant. But in case I go MH, then I'd prefer a pendant due to the heat.
I'm still working on what lighting I want, etc., so I'm not to this point yet. But I do want my lights to work in some kind of set-up with a top (canopy, glass, etc.) I had at one point asked about a screen (top, yet gaseous exchange possible) but the replies indicated that a screen would screen out too much light.
I am now thinking about getting some plexiglass with holes in it (like the kind used for tank dividers)to allow for clear tank coverage as well as gaseous exchange.
Any more experienced out there have any thoughts on this?
sonny
Member
As long as you don't have the top sealed on top of the tank, you won't have any gas exchange problems. The top can be made by any glass shop. Just give them the dimensions you need it. Leave a little space at the back of the tank, and that's plenty of room for air to get inside the cover for gas exchange. If you want to have a short cover at the front of the tank, get two pieces cut, one about 3-4 inches wide for the part to open, and silicon a plastic knob on it for easy opening.
Sonny
Sonny
bobber
Member
Actually, some don't even use a glass top. Glass tops can keep heat in. What I have is one piece of glass, made by a glass shop 1/8" thick, and put it right under my lighting to protect the lights from any splash. The front and back of the tank is open. I do get a little more evaporation, but that's no problem. Just a thought--Bob
sonny
Member
I actually would prefer to have the glass on the light fixture, but with 250 watt MH, you probably need to get a piece of tempered glass if it will be a little close the the lamp. This will keep you from having the glass break because of heat. The heat in the tank probably will not be a problem if you keep the room reasonably cool (75 degrees?) and there is plenty of air circulation between the aquarium and the lights. You can get a small fan and mount it in the hood and that should help a lot.
Sonny
Sonny