Tank cover

[nordy]

I want to make a new cover for my 55 gal tank and am thinking of using plexi so I can break out the Dremel and custom fit it around my hang on equipment (skimmer, 2 canister filters, sump return, etc). Is there any reason I should not do this? Does plexi diminish lighting in any way, as opposed to glass? Tank is currently a FOWLR setup w/1 basic aquarium light but my new Nova Extreme Pro 48 has shipped and I will be changing to a reef tank shortly.
Also ordered: in tank refugium w/powerhead and an order of cheato for the fuge. Next item before going reef is a RO unit-still looking.
Thanks for the help!

 

[greenhorn]

nordy skip the plexi idea and go get a 2 x 4 piece of egg crate or also known as light difuser . this will allow your tank to breate properly and light entering the tank will not be an issue

 

[nordy]

Thanks for the reply!
Is this an aquarium product or is it the same stuff I see in commercial light fixtures at work?
Also, do you recommend no cover on the tank? Wouldn't that increase evaporation? Based on my experience w/my tank that does seem to make sense 'cause the glass covers I have now have to be constantly cleaned. I don't really mind having to add makeup water but would like some more feedback on this issue.
Thanks!

 

[m0nk]

I'm with the egg crate idea, it's all I have covering my tanks, and it's there to make sure my son doesn't toss something in there that shouldn't be. You definitely want an open top, putting a glass or plexi-glass lid on a tank only decreases the gas exchange. An open top allows oxygenation of the water properly, which helps with more sensitive fish. Closed tops means lower oxygen content in the water which is very stressful on some fish. This does mean you'll need to top off with fresh RO or RO/DI water (don't use salt water) because the evaporation will be greater. You can find egg crate in the lighting section of your local home depot or lowes, and it is likely the commercial diffuser you've seen. It's easy to cut into any shape you need and comes in handy with a whole range of things; I even used a piece to sit under the base rock so it wasn't sitting on the glass (I put base rock in first when setting up my latest tank, then filled the sand in around it, since I went with a deep sand bed and don't want anything to cause a landslide in my tank).

 

[apos]

Aeration is very important, especially to maintain dissolved oxygen, get rid of co2, and maintain ph. Sure it evaporates faster... but that also helps cool the tank, and the benefits outweigh the hassle.

 

[nordy]

Thanks so much for the advise-will take it to heart and get some egg crate installed before I put my new light on the tank. Will be in Lowes tomorrow @8am getting supplies so I can do the side work that is paying for my saltwater habit!