Glass top, bad?

[fishymann]

I have a 55 gallon setup with lights that stand on the tank, so no canopy. is there a disadvantage to using glass tops on the aquarium to keep down evap and keep things in the air (flies, hair, dust) from getting in the DT?

EDIT:
Delete this thread. A simple search got me my answers.

 

[dlterry85]

a lot of reefers go open top. why? salt creep on glass. destroys the par values.

 

[thegrun]

In addition to cutting down on light, glass also limits the air exchange with the water. If you have a skimmer this isn't much of a problem, if not you are likely to have issues. Glass also traps heat which will either overheat your tank or cause your chiller to run more often.

 

[fishymann]

yeah thanks guys, I should have looked first and then saved my self from posting. As soon as I saw about the heat concerns and the gas exchange I figured I will just rely on my mechanical filtration to pull out any free floating debre

 

[Greedo]

There are ways around it if you want to leave the lids on, LED lighting, take the back plastic strip off giving you a 2" vent across the back of the tank, clean the lids as needed etc. They aren't necessarily a bad thing as long as you realize what elements they bring to the tank and adjust accordingly. Kind of a PITA but depending on what kinda critters you are trying to keep in and or out of your tank they may be worthwhile.

 

[tkeracer619]

If you have jumping fish then a DIY screen window kit from HD and some clear plastic mesh from www.bulkreefsupply.com will give you a clean top that doesn't block light and will keep your fish in the fishtank.

 

[tspors]

You need evaporation!

 

[James77]

How bad is the salt creep on glass tops? Does the salt build even if there is zero splashing on it? How ften do they need cleaning.....once a day,once a week, once a month?

I know heat can be a problem for some, but I would welcome the added heat. I am looking at switching to LEDs and ditching a canopy for a cleaner look. But, I need to keep the cat out of there.

 

[my2girls]

I recently added glass canopies to my tank. Same situation, a white cat that loves to chill on top of the tank. I'd come home from work and there would be tons of white fur in the tank. Now with the glass, I get no fur and very little evaporation. No heat issues because of the LEDs.

 

[James77]

I recently added glass canopies to my tank. Same situation, a white cat that loves to chill on top of the tank. I'd come home from work and there would be tons of white fur in the tank. Now with the glass, I get no fur and very little evaporation. No heat issues because of the LEDs.

Yeah I have a black cat that insists on jumping onto the canopy all the time. Any problems with salt creep? I have no problem wiping glass down every couple weeks, just not a daily thing.......

 

[crobattt]

Using glass here, just took off the back peice so everyting is fine now.

 

[Greedo]

You need evaporation!

Fer whut? :bounce3:

 

[James77]

Fer whut? :bounce3:

So you can buy an ATO.

 

[my2girls]

Salt creep is not a problem for me either, just wipe top of glass every few days.

 

[crobattt]

Actually after reading this I decided to take off the two tops to seee if it made a difference, have to wait till I get home to see..


Maybe this will fix my low ph..

 

[tspors]

Fer whut? :bounce3:

evaporation in needed for temp control and adding fresh water to tank. Imagine a world with no rain...

 

[crobattt]

don't know about the ph, but it does seem the fish are swimming in a lot of places they previously haven't aswell as swimming a lot more. bye bye canopies