Planning roadblocks

V

vicegripjim

New member
Hello everyone. Hoping for a bit of help on a couple of points that I'm stuck on in my planning phase at the moment.

First one is canopy ideas. I have two cats. The simplest options of removing the cats is not viable, but I'd rather not have a full cabinet canopy. I've a rough idea in my head right now for a slim profile frame to hold a sheet of eggcrate over it. Between the support on all sides as well as from the aquariums cross brace this should be more then enough to keep the determined kitties out of the tank. My concern though is just how much will it diffuse the light? Was hoping maybe someone had some past experience here to share on this. Tank is (or will be anyway) a 75g 48x18x20. The current plan is to use an Evergrow IT5012 and eventually stock mixed in the tank. I'm confident on that one it's own that's more then enough light, but with the diffuser in the way, not so sure...

Second roadblock is a skimmer. I'm trying to plan the sump, so I can in turn plan the stand itself. I'd rather over buy a little then underbuy and have to upgrade, but don't want to go too far into overkill. Biggest need in my head beyond solid and reliable is quiet. I understand them in a basic sense but just don't seem to have confidence to select something and am hoping maybe a few more alternate explanations will fill in the missing links to move forward on that.

Thanks in advance!
 
I would do the canopy. Cats can get into unexpected places. I have 5 cats in the house and I’ve seen them try to get on the canopy. We can the tank cat tv because they spend hours watching the fish move. They always swap at the glass to get the fish.
 
Most cats will learn after the first unexpected swimming lesson that jumping on top is a poor idea.

FWIW - eggcrate is a pretty poor choice for an aquarium cover. Not only will any fish that might fit through use the squares to aim at in their bid for freedom, it is properly called lighting diffuser. If you are planning on a Fish Only, then it won't make a lot of difference, but if you plan on any corals, every little bit of light helps.

To prevent fish jumping to their death, think about a DIY screen top. Made from window screen frame pieces and 1/4 or 1/8" clear netting from BRS, it is a good, economical way to keep things in while still having excellent oxygen exchange at the surface.
 
My cats used to lay on a canopy when I had it. I have an open top with radions on the RMS arm mounts. I do have a screen top but they have never attempted to get in since it got wet. When the tank was first delivered they would get in it and howl and make it echo through the house.
 
For skimmer suggestions wait until you know tank size and budget. Just ask them and you will get a good recomendation.
 
You may be able to take a piece of glass and make a angle with the wall and the tank, so the tank has a sorta half roof. Then if the cats try to climb on it they will slide off.
 
Planning roadblocks

I wouldn't worry about an open top and cats. Worst case scenario, they jump in the tank once and never again. I honestly don't think they'd even jump in once. Also, the screen top is a must IMO. A few bucks for some screen frame materials at home depot and some pond netting and you're all set. It's a lot cheaper than a carpet surfing fish and you won't have to deal with the heartache of seeing your favorite fish dried up like a prune stuck to your carpet.
 
I have a similar situation myself. 75 gal tank with 7 (yes, seven) cats.
I would not recommend the eggcrate for the reasons given and the fact that it sounds as though nothing will prevent your cats from lying on the eggcrate and basking in the warmth of your lights and completely blocking them out.
Also, litter from between their paws and dander will sift right through the eggcrate.
I use a canopy which I had to custom build to fit over my radions, the stock canopy did not allow enough height. It was a project but I think it was the only way to go. Even though I have never heard of it I would hate to come home and find a cat drowned in my tank!
Making DIY screen lids right now.
Stand is the marine land stand for 75 with a 30 gal sump and reef octo 150sss skimmer.
I am a newbie but did a lot of research and got a lot of good advice from folks here at RC and so far this setup is working out pretty well for me!
Good luck!
 
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