Top for my tank?

[Crepusculum]

I was wondering if I should have a glass top cut to at least cover part of the top of my tank since it is entirely open. I am a bit worried about my firefish taking the great leap of doom. My only concern is if it would increase the water temp too much.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Satori]

Water temp is one concern, but the biggest concern is gas exchange. You don't want to limit that.

A better option is to use egg crate.

 

[Crepusculum]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8040702#post8040702 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MSM

A better option is to use egg crate.

I've never had to purchase that before. Does one find it at Lowes? It is a piece of plastic with a diamond type air flow design, correct?

 

[Satori]

It's the light diffuser that is under flourecent lights in office buildings. White plastic with square holes, and it's at Lowes or HD.

 

[McCrary]

You could also get a canopy to cover the tank and hold your lights. Slightly more aesthetic in my opinion.

 

[cerreta]

Dan, black and chrome eggcrate is available too, but harder to find. Let me know if you want that, I can pick some up for you. It will alter light penetration unless it is very close to the lamp fixture, then it will enhance the penetration.

 

[Crepusculum]

I'll have to see what's out there, I don't want to interfere with the light, but helping it out might not be a bad idea.

About the Canopy, I don't know if I've ever seen one on a cube.

 

[lovelylinda]

I removed the chrome eggcrate because the silver dizzolved very quickly when the water hit it. I was afraid that it would hurt my fish. Does black eggcrate do this? Or is it black all the way through?

 

[SWSaltwater]

Black is fine and I use it all the time. I have never had an issue with it. The silver is a coating and can come off so I have never used it. Not sure what it is made of though and or if it will affect the tank.

 

[lovelylinda]

So, where would you get the black eggcrate?

 

[SWSaltwater]

I will see if I have some at the shop I can give you. I got a lot of it when I bought the place from Tim. You might try commercial lighting supplies or various hardware stores as well. What size do you need?