Screen or wooden canopy for a rimless tank?

[kyley]

Hi All,
I've been looking at some used 120 gallon tanks (48x24x24) and the one I'm likely to get is rimless. I keep wrasses, so it needs to be covered. Thoughts on ways to cover it?

• A DIY screen. Do these end up being a lot of work to keep clean? Get a lot of salt creep buildup?
• Guessing no on this... A glass top? Maybe this would be worse for keeping clean - and also block some of the light? Not even sure if that's an option on a rimless.
• A wooden canopy? I'd been planning on this if I got an aquarium with a rim. But without a rim, is this a good idea? Seems like water might get on the wood and drip down the other side of the glass / create a mess?

Right now a have a 65g Red Sea Max with built-in hood, so this is a new area for me. I'd love to hear your experiences / suggestions!

If wooden canopy is the answer, anyone know of some good build threads / guides for doing this?

Side note - I'm also curious about experiences with these canopies on a rimmed tank (since it's possible I end up with a different, rimmed tank).
Thanks,
--Kyle

 

[mcgyvr]

I had nets and didnt like it..
I now use this https://www.greenhousemegastore.com/easy-ship-2-ft-wide-twinwall-polycarbonate
But I have a sump so gas exchange isnt an issue..

It does block some light but my corals still get plenty

 

[john08007]

I have a rimless and I made a hood for it, I used the embroidery netting along the back to keep fish in. The only time I have an issue is if I use my magnet cleaner too fast along the top. It creates a wave that drips down the outside of the tank. I'm on its not an issue, personally I prefer a hood to cover the lighting but that's just a matter of personal preference

 

[kyley]

Thanks for the suggestions! I agree a hood is nice to cover up the lighting, but I guess it's also nice to see the surface of the water and such. I think I'll go with a good screen. Thanks,
--Kyle

 

[IowaReefer]

I like the hood to contain the light spill from my LEDs. Make sure to poly the crap out of the bottom of the hood near the tank to keep it sealed if you go that route.

 

[kyley]

I like the hood to contain the light spill from my LEDs. Make sure to poly the crap out of the bottom of the hood near the tank to keep it sealed if you go that route.

Thanks, and yeah, definitely would take a lot of protective poly!

I'm going to go the screen route for now, but if I hate it, I'll build a canopy. Thanks,
--Kyle

 

[murphreef]

On my little 25g tank i made a screen using supplies from Home Depot to make the screen frame (just like the screens on your houses windows) and I purchased some clear mesh from Marine Depot that is specific for fish tanks and works great! I also would loose fight before but have not lost one since making this screen set up.... easy to clean and remove as needed and keeps that minimalist look.