Glass tops

[slickrick75150]

Are glass tops good or bad? I have a glass top now so that my lights won't fall in my question is would it be brewer if I found a way to suspind my lights and take off the glass top


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[snorvich]

It would be better to not have the lights resting on the glass top. It would be better still to figure a way to hang the lights and use a mesh top with 1/4 inch holes (NOT egg crate).

 

[slickrick75150]

Is it bad to have the lights resting on the glass top?


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[Humuhumunuku]

Is it bad to have the lights resting on the glass top?


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I would say yes. Do you have heat problems in your tank?

 

[slickrick75150]

Not really stays around 78


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[kingevil]

glass lids don't allow for adequate evaporation.

 

[a.browning]

I would not use the glass tops. They block light as salt creep builds up on them, they don't allow gas exchange either. There are many ways to keep fish contained in the aquarium that are much better alternatives. If you have a reef oriented light (high output), then I would say that you should not keep them down that low. Just my experience.

 

[BigCountry74]

FOWLR the glass top should not be a problem.

For reef, most of us run topless. That's what she said...lol

 

[rite_eh]

It would be better to not have the lights resting on the glass top. It would be better still to figure a way to hang the lights and use a mesh top with 1/4 inch holes (NOT egg crate).

Hi snorvich,

I was just curious why you recommend against egg crate?

Thanks.

 

[jerpa]

I wouldn't recommend eggcrate because fish can fit through the spaces. It also blocks more light than screening.

 

[rite_eh]

Makes sense. I am using it but did lower my lights somewhat to counteract the light deflection I encountered. Perhaps some black plastic screen in a frame would be a better solution. Thanks.

 

[slickrick75150]

Ok so sounds like everyone agrees I should loose the top and hang the lights how far above the tank should I hang them? I am doing a reef tank useing t5 h/o lights


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[snorvich]

Hi snorvich,

I was just curious why you recommend against egg crate?

Thanks.

Because many fish can easily go through it.

 

[TL1000RSquid]

Makes sense. I am using it but did lower my lights somewhat to counteract the light deflection I encountered. Perhaps some black plastic screen in a frame would be a better solution. Thanks.

The window style screens can block light too, as someone above said screen with the 1/4 holes is best, you can order some from BRS, then Lowes or Home Depot under $20 for the framing, joints, fastening strips, and tool for the strips. BRS also sells all that stuff in a kit for like $30 or $35 with the screening.

 

[kingevil]

sometimes advertised as 'bird netting.'

 

[jerseygurl]

Because many fish can easily go through it.

I respectfully disagree. My dad ran a LFS for years with eggcrates on every tank, no problem at all. We still run like 10 tanks same way.

IMO you can use a glass top on a FOWLR tank. Less evaporation and less salt creap, just make sure you have good gas exchange which a decent protein skimmer will provide.