Does my tank need a top?

[PENNYWISE]

Anyone run a tank with no cover? Just open water? Any things I should consider? I can never get the shadow of the seam that runs down the middle to be at the right spot. Without the cover the light from my LEDs look amazing.

 

[hkgar]

Do you have fish or are you going to have fish? Do you mind periodically finding one of the fish, maybe that $200 tang, one the floor.

If so, yes a top. All fish jump as so will at times be on the floor with no top.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Screen top is what you need.

 

[billdogg]

I’ll vote for a screen top as well. Blocks minimal light, allows for great oxygen exchange, and can be DIY’d easily and inexpensively.

Why wouldn’t you???

 

[josbur63]

I have mangroves in my display tank,so a little hard for them to grow with a top on.Havent had a problem with jumping fish,but i make it a point not to purchase those prone to jumping.

 

[Constantine]

I have glass tops. You can remove the hinge part and then just lift the front panel out of the way or slide it back on top of the other panel. I think it's actually easier to use with a light resting on top of the tank, then using the hinges. And there isn't a shadow from it either. Greatly reduces evaporation. I use some craft tool plastic mesh at the back of the tank so no gas exchange issues either.

 

[Dmorty217]

My tank is 7ftx6ft (LxW) so there’s not covers on it and I’m not really sure how I would cover it. I don’t have any prone jumpers but all fish can jump out of your tank. It’s a calculated risk

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Dmorty,
I can offer a suggestion if you are interested.

 

[alton]

One of the biggest complaints about AI or Radion LEDS is the spot lighting effect you get. By using glass tops they become a diffuser and the lighting of your tank equals out. I picked up 6 used AI lights and I already had 4 build my led lights