Do I need a cover for my tank?

[WatDatThing]

My tank is a month old. I'm still using the fresh water lighting hood. I'm ready for my led lighting. Should I buy a glass cover for the tank? The future fish stocking will probably be clowns, a wrasse, a goby, a royal gramma and a blenny.

 

[jgln]

I can't really give advice but I was losing so much water from evaporation that I decided to go and have a glass shop cut me pieces for the top and it helped some with that. I still have evaporation because of my hang on skimmer and heaters and powerheads cords.

I really didn't want to because I love looking into the tank right through the water.

 

[BlackTip]

You need to cover your tank. Some people choose glass to reduce evaporation, and others prefer mesh for gas exchange.

Having a cover is a good idea. The type of material is up to you. You need to consider the surface area of the tank, the total water volume, the size of your home, the average humidity in your home year around, whether you have skimmer or not, etc

Understand this, glass cover will limit the gas exchange and evaporation. Choose accordingly.

 

[ReefsandGeeks]

You shouldn't need a cover for any of those fish as they are not "jumpers" or "escape artists". There are pros and cons with a cover.

Having a cover will reduce your evaporation and in turn, keep the tank warmer as well, saving a bit on heating costs. This along with needing to top off less frequently or go through less water if you have an ATO.

The cons of having a cover are less water/air exchange, which will decrease disolved oxygen in the aquarium and lower the pH. It will also obstruct your view from the top of the tank if you like to look straight down, and if set under your lighting it will block out some light, leaving less light for your coral if you have any. It will also collect salt creep and need cleaned reguarly.

I've personally had an issue before with lack of disolved oxygen in my tank which even caused fish losses. Due to that alone, i'd never put a cover on my tank. I do have an eel, shich are escape artists, so I built a canopy for the top of the tank which is too tall for the eel to get out, but still open on top for gas exchange.

 

[mystikal]

Cover your tank! You may wake up one day with your favorite fish dried up on the floor.

My mandarin did this and it wasn't a good day

 

[thegrun]

You shouldn't need a cover for any of those fish as they are not "jumpers" or "escape artists". There are pros and cons with a cover.

Having a cover will reduce your evaporation and in turn, keep the tank warmer as well, saving a bit on heating costs. This along with needing to top off less frequently or go through less water if you have an ATO.

The cons of having a cover are less water/air exchange, which will decrease disolved oxygen in the aquarium and lower the pH. It will also obstruct your view from the top of the tank if you like to look straight down, and if set under your lighting it will block out some light, leaving less light for your coral if you have any. It will also collect salt creep and need cleaned reguarly.

I've personally had an issue before with lack of disolved oxygen in my tank which even caused fish losses. Due to that alone, i'd never put a cover on my tank. I do have an eel, shich are escape artists, so I built a canopy for the top of the tank which is too tall for the eel to get out, but still open on top for gas exchange.

I disagree, all the fish on the list are potential jumpers, a few are known to be likely jumpers. IMHO a screen cover is a much better solution to a glass cover which is a pain to keep clean, reduces air transfer and light.

 

[anthonys51]

I disagree, all the fish on the list are potential jumpers, a few are known to be likely jumpers. IMHO a screen cover is a much better solution to a glass cover which is a pain to keep clean, reduces air transfer and light.

I second this. Wrasses especially are jumpers and I had 1 clown jump out before I covered my tank and my friend lost 2 and his still isn't covered I like the mess covering because it's less work. Glass will get salt creep on it and possible algae Needing to be cleaned often


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[billdogg]

You shouldn't need a cover for any of those fish as they are not "jumpers" or "escape artists". There are pros and cons with a cover.

Having a cover will reduce your evaporation and in turn, keep the tank warmer as well, saving a bit on heating costs. This along with needing to top off less frequently or go through less water if you have an ATO.

The cons of having a cover are less water/air exchange, which will decrease disolved oxygen in the aquarium and lower the pH. It will also obstruct your view from the top of the tank if you like to look straight down, and if set under your lighting it will block out some light, leaving less light for your coral if you have any. It will also collect salt creep and need cleaned reguarly.

I've personally had an issue before with lack of disolved oxygen in my tank which even caused fish losses. Due to that alone, i'd never put a cover on my tank. I do have an eel, shich are escape artists, so I built a canopy for the top of the tank which is too tall for the eel to get out, but still open on top for gas exchange.

Wrasses aren't jumpers? You should have a talk with mine!

I disagree, all the fish on the list are potential jumpers, a few are known to be likely jumpers. IMHO a screen cover is a much better solution to a glass cover which is a pain to keep clean, reduces air transfer and light.

I second this. Wrasses especially are jumpers and I had 1 clown jump out before I covered my tank and my friend lost 2 and his still isn't covered I like the mess covering because it's less work. Glass will get salt creep on it and possible algae Needing to be cleaned often


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

^^What they said^^^

A DIY mesh screen using aluminum window screen frame and 1/4" clear mesh from BRS is a very simple and effective method that promotes gas exchange, prevents jumpers, and as an added bonus is very inexpensive. Personally, I wouldn't have a tank without unless it was fishless.

 

[mcgyvr]

While I'm 100% for going topless...

Here is a link to all you need from BRS..
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/sumps-tanks-refugiums/diy-screen-tops.html

 

[WatDatThing]

While I'm 100% for going topless...

Here is a link to all you need from BRS..
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/sumps-tanks-refugiums/diy-screen-tops.html

I like topless too, but not so sure about my fish tank :lmao:

 

[scooter31707]

I learned the hard way and a day of sleeping on the couch when my $200 chevron tang jumped out. After quarantine process put in the tank 30 minutes after lights out and woke up the next morning with it laying on the floor all dried up. Needless to say I didn't see my bed that night. I begged for that fish and the wife dipped into our budget (skipped a bill) so I could get it. LOL!!!!

 

[kowen]

I've seen Royal Grammas and Gobies jump when stressed. Regardless of if a fish is a known jumper or not, I figure why risk it?

 

[RyanG027]

I got a screen kit from Home Depot for like 20 bucks and custom made a cover for mine. Looks clean, and will keep random debris from getting inn the tank

 

[WatDatThing]

Thanks guys. Screen it is. Gonna build one this weekend.

 

[rjjr1963]

Top down view is very important to me so I don't use any top. I would definately use one on a taller tank.

 

[surferarnie]

Clowns will jump. I have glass lids made at the local aquarium shop. The really cut down on evap, especially in the winter. They work great.


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[Hyde7278]

Cover it. I just lost a 5 yr old clownfish after it jumped out of the tank. Mine was only uncovered for a few days before it jumped out.