Pros/Cons with open top tanks

[theappe3]

The tank I currently have has a canopy. Im getting a new tank that doesnt have a canopy and it has satellite lighting. Anyone have any problems with fish jumping out? Or anything I should be aware of?

 

[scsinet]

The two biggest problems are fish jumping out and small stuff falling in. If I didn't keep canopies over my tanks they all would be a soup of dog hair, lint, and misc bits of crap (in that order).

 

[isistius]

open top vs glass covered top allows for more evaporation and gas exchange too. it can help with cooling also. but yes, the fish can carpet surf

 

[201_0_o_datsnj]

yea i like my closed top. the guy i know who lives about 1 mile from me had open top and had no problems. if i had open top i would have chinchilla fur and dust in my tank. i just had to buy a pregnant chinchilla. now im stuck with 5 total. AH!!

 

[ghiggi]

I have a 135g with an open top and satellite lighting. I had a canopy, but when I upgraded to MH lighting I had to take it off in order to control the heat. With the canopy on and the three built in fans running, the tank hovered around 84 degrees. Without the canopy and with a 10" fan blowing across under the lights, the temp hovers around 81 degrees
I use eggcrate/light diffuser to cover the top and keep the fish from jumping out.

 

[earlybird]

pros- evaporation helps cool the tank, gas exchange and preventing pH swings
cons- jumpers (not all fish jump), salt spray, dust and hair (filters will get it).
IMO it's better to have an open top unless you have a canopy with good ventilation.

 

[201_0_o_datsnj]

yea unless ur room is in a cool room an open top would help with temperature. i have a closed top but the AC is always on so my tank temp is around 77.8 or 78.5 the highest.

 

[devil dog]

I like having a hood on my tanks so you don’t have that cast of light all over your room.It is in just a little that will come through the glass…

 

[al mc]

Open top if possible IMO. As another poster noted, an 'eggcrate' will reduce the chance of fish jumping out. I have seen some cover the eggcrate with fiberglass screening (like you use to rescreen screen windows..just make sure it is not metal if you go this way).

 

[mikegray]

about ur chincilla's hope for more then make me a coat!

 

[buckster71]

I had covers over my tank for 3 months when I bought it. Glass tops...
With that, besides the constant salt creep and cleanings, one day I noticed my temp was up at about 85 degees and I couldn't cool it. I thought I had to because I have a few firefish that are supposed jumpers.
Until,
I trashed the idea and keep it open.
Much better. better lighting and now my tank is at 78 degrees!