Advice on Aquarium Top

[WuHT]

My current tank is has a 4"x1.5" footprint, and has 6 inch wide eurobracing on each of the shorter sides , and 2 inch eurobracing on the long side.
On top of that, i have two glass panels that i can slide over the eurobracing so i can access my tank.

---

However, i've heard that glass covers prevent Oxygen exchange, but i don't know how much a decent wet/dry trickly filter and a skimmer can remedy problem.

Also, since i plan to upgrade an aquarium which maybe not have the "custom" bracing support i had... what's a good way to prevent fish from jumping out as well as preventing evaportation?

Just hearing what you guys suggest....thanks in advance

 

[bertoni]

The glass covers can reduce gas exchange and trap heat. I have tanks with covers that run well enough, although I do leave a margin open at all times for some air circulation.

One of the issues with low gas exchange is the buildup of carbon dioxide, which lowers the pH of the system. If the tank's pH is okay, and the oxygen level is fine, I wouldn't worry much. Salifert sells a test kit for oxygen that works well enough, as far as I could tell.

All in all, though, getting rid of the covers is probably safest.

 

[reefergeorge]

Glass covers also block around 20% of your light depending on how dirty they are.
I use eggcrate from hd. The evaporation is a lot more, but IMO that helps keep a healthy tank.

 

[Ziggy953]

I was going to suggest eggcrate as well. I would much rather deal with evaporation then ph swings.

 

[ihopss]

Eggcrate,light defuser works will.

 

[WuHT]

since the search function isn't always available, i'd like to ask for your opinions on those glass/acrylic tops that are hinged and will fold open ... i've seen them on smaller tanks but dunno if they're popular for larger tanks.

 

[snorvich]

Egg crate solves a lot of problems but will not solve the problem of fish carpet surfing. They CAN get through it. There was a thread recently about using plastic screening; that should work nicely.