is a hood necessary?

pnkflydlvr

pnkflydlvr

Member
i finally got all of the supplies for my setup yesterday.

anyway, i've run into a slight problem: the lighting fixture that i got (nova extreme t5's) has mounting legs that block the hood so that i can't open it. unfortunately, i can't move the light back because there is an emperor 400 behind it. should i just take off the hood and have an open aquarium? is there anything else i could do to make it work?
 
lion_crazz

lion_crazz

Active Member
No, an open aquarium is better anyway. It does not trap gases and allows better oxygen exchange.
Just make sure to take proper provisions if you get any fish that may jump.
 
rushprop

rushprop

Member
a hood is not necessary. You could use some egg crate or get a peice of acrylic/glass cut to fit the top to keep your fish from jumping out. I have had an open top and didnt really care for it as I saw alot of water evaporation. SO if it were me i would get the plastic cut, its cheap and easy.
 
prk543

prk543

Member
If i didn't have cats, I wouldn't have a top on my aquarium. They just really like the warm lights...
You can also get some egg crate at home depot or lowes (i think they call it something else, but you can find it in the lighting section), if you want to keep the fish in, and other stuff out. I have a glass top on my tank, with a gap in the back for my filter and skimmer, which allows for gas exchange and to allow heat to escape.
 
fishkid13

fishkid13

Active Member
I just have glass over my tank with the light above them and it works great my dad has hist with plastic for the Home Depot over his and it works good to.
 
bizzmoneyb

bizzmoneyb

Member
most will tell you its probably better to not have a top. better for gas exchange. i need a top or my water evaporates stupid fast.
 
rockman

rockman

Member
Originally Posted by Prk543
http:///forum/post/2698293
If i didn't have cats, I wouldn't have a top on my aquarium. They just really like the warm lights...
You can also get some egg crate at home depot or lowes (i think they call it something else, but you can find it in the lighting section), if you want to keep the fish in, and other stuff out. I have a glass top on my tank, with a gap in the back for my filter and skimmer, which allows for gas exchange and to allow heat to escape.
Actually the egg Crete is a diffuser and its not in lighting it's in the section for acoustic tiles (ceiling tiles)
 
pnkflydlvr

pnkflydlvr

Member
thanks. i will look into that, but i'm not sure if it'll fix the problem. like i said, the hood is impossible to open with the light on top, so i don't know if the egg crate would fix the problem. the instructions with my light said that it should always be above a canopy, but there is an acrylic cover over the bulbs so would it be ok with an open top?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top