Any issues with a tank lid?

[TedsReef]

I live in a low humidity area and my ATO lasts 1-2 days when it's advertised for 3. I was wondering if a solid tank lid would help slow evaporation and if there would be any issue with it.

 

[Murica]

I live in a low humidity area and my ATO lasts 1-2 days when it's advertised for 3. I was wondering if a solid tank lid would help slow evaporation and if there would be any issue with it.

Yes, it will drastically slow evaporation. However heat won't escape, it'll restrict gas exchange, and if you let your lids get dirty, it can reduce a little par from your light.

I use a glass lid and my house loves me for it, cause it gets super humid in my house with it off. I just keep it clean and I don't notice any issues at all. My sump is open which gets the gas exchange

 

[JasonK84]

Yes, it will drastically slow evaporation. However heat won't escape, it'll restrict gas exchange, and if you let your lids get dirty, it can reduce a little par from your light.

I use a glass lid and my house loves me for it, cause it gets super humid in my house with it off. I just keep it clean and I don't notice any issues at all. My sump is open which gets the gas exchange

This is also how I am setting up my 120. Glass tops on display and open sump. Hoping to get enough gas exchange without draining the 5.5 gallon reservoir quickly.

 

[Duffer]

glass tops here also. Evaporation slows way down, as others stating i do clean them ever other day. The lids are not close together there is about 1/2 gap in between them plus cut outs in the corners for wires and cutouts for lights which i believe helps gas exchange. I personally would never have a tank without glass lids. In the winter months they also help keep the heat in.

 

[dugthefish]

On a related note, how can you tell if you're getting enough air exchange with kids on?

 

[Murica]

On a related note, how can you tell if you're getting enough air exchange with kids on?

You can get technical and measure it, but get ready to spend some $ on equipment. Most people just estimate how much they need, because you don't need much. Protein skimmers alone add enough to almost take care of a typical system. The more the better but again, you don't need much.

One easy way to add oxygen while also preventing oily film from forming on the water surface is to point a powerhead towards the surface in your display tank. Even if your tank is covered, you'll still get a little exchange, unless your lids are completely air tight.

There's belief that if your air quality in your fish room is poor, that air will transfer to your tank and cause ph issues, so keep that in mind. Some people run their skimmers air intake outdoors to get fresh air. However if your tank is in a large open room, especially near an exterior door that gets opened occasionally, that should greatly improve air quality compared to a stagnant small enclosed room.

I have a basement sump, and the sump is the only thing polluting the air down there. I also frequently open the door to the outside which helps. I also have some plants in the sump room to help with c02 (which is minimal, but still does a little).