Where can I find glass canopy?

[janicebembry]

O.K. I've finally ordered my lights- T5's. But I can't find 2 glass canopies to fit it anywhere. It's a 55 gallon that came with the traditional black plastic hoods for freshH2O fish. Where can I find something to put between the lights and the fish to cut down on evaporation and keep fish in the tank?
I've heard of eggcrate but how do you cover the tank with it? How does it look, and is it easy to access to take feed the fish? I really would prefer glass but have looked online for hours to no avail. Any ideas?

 

[rbaldino]

Glass canopies are commonly sold at fish stores, as well as a variety of web sites.

 

[mpls man]

why do you want the glass, most people dont have glass on reef tanks,

if you have the lights up high enough u wont have to worry about the lights, u want to have oxygen from the water to excape.

 

[sprang]

I doubt anything is going to jump out of your tank, so I would avoid glass canopys....they trap heat.

 

[azfishgal]

I agree, glass top is not a good idea. Just cut the eggcrate to fit the top of your tank. You should have a lip that it can rest on. You can see mine below (I now have the sides covered because I have a Goby in my tank now). I put food through it all the time (the holes are big enough).

 

[rbaldino]

Originally Posted by MPLS MAN
why do you want the glass, most people dont have glass on reef tanks,

if you have the lights up high enough u wont have to worry about the lights, u want to have oxygen from the water to excape.

Originally Posted by sprang
I doubt anything is going to jump out of your tank, so I would avoid glass canopys....they trap heat.
The glass top I use doesn't seem to hurt my reef, nor the many reef tanks I've seen displayed at fish stores. Other than all the people on here that recommend going without, I've yet to see actual evidence to support this belief. Skimmers do a lot for gas exchange, and outside of extreme ambient temps I've never had my tank overheat due to the glass canopy. In the end, you should make up your own mind.

 

[janicebembry]

Originally Posted by rbaldino
The glass top I use doesn't seem to hurt my reef, nor the many reef tanks I've seen displayed at fish stores. Other than all the people on here that recommend going without, I've yet to see actual evidence to support this belief. Skimmers do a lot for gas exchange, and outside of extreme ambient temps I've never had my tank overheat due to the glass canopy. In the end, you should make up your own mind.
I inderstand everyone doesn't like the same thing. All I want to know is does anybody know where I can find glass canopies to fit a 55 gallon tank with a brace in the middle?
My T5 lights will be here soon, and I want to put something between the lights and the H2O for 3 reasons:
1- I already have evaporation problems and leaving the top off will make it worse
2- Fish have been known to jump out
3-I have young Grandchildren who love to look at grandma's fish and they would just be too tempted to stick their little hands in the tank when my back was turned for just a second or maybe try to share some of their food
So please tell me if you know where I could buy some. Don't say LFS or numerous web sites. I've tried everywhere and can't find this size. Thanks!

 

[mpls man]

looking through my xtra fish supplys i ran across a set of glass tops for a 4' tank they measure at 23 1/2 " they are made by oceanic, the only problem is shipping, i think they would break. i guess i would say check into your local hardware store or someone that sells tempered glass?

 

[brstwv]

Why don't you try your local glass company?If you take in measurements I'm sure then can come up with something for you maybe even cheaper

 

[reefer545]

GO TO HOME DEPOT! Glass is probably the best idea, just get TEMPERED GLASS! You have a splash of cold H20 on HOT glass adn you got a PROBLEM!

 

[emm0909]

Just have someone cut it for you. Use a piece of cardboard to make a template. Then cut holes for feeding, powerhead cords, finger holes, etc. Then just take it to a glass place in town and have them cut it out for you.
As far as the good/bad argument: If you have a good place for gas exchange (skimmer, sump) then that shouldn't cause a problem. Now, glass will filter out light but the major problem that causes that is the glass being dirty. Keep them clean and you should be fine. It will drastically cut down evaporation. Thats my reason for having it.