Cover the tank with glass?

[BurgerFish]

Hi,

I want to cover the tank with the glass to reduce evaporation and high humidity in the house.

Will it reduce the light? If yes how much?
Do I need to use the glass or acrylic? How thick?

Thanks
hanks

 

[T-J]

Hi,

I want to cover the tank with the glass to reduce evaporation and high humidity in the house.

Will it reduce the light? If yes how much?
Do I need to use the glass or acrylic? How thick?

Thanks
hanks

I would advise against a glass top.
The glass will become covered in condensation and salt, lessening your light intensity.
It will also trap heat and reduce evaporation, allowing the tank to heat up.
Finally, it can reduce oxygen levels.
I strongly suggest a mesh top. If humidity is an issue, is it possible to install a ventilation fan in the room?

 

[Saltyreef]

Yes it will reduce light output.
Guesstimate based on my built in par meters (eyes) would be about 10-15%

I would use 1/8" glass.

Aqueon sells tops for their general size tsnks

 

[Saltyreef]

And as said above yes glass will collect condensation but will reduce humidity and evap much more than mesh as your request stated.

 

[mrpizzaface]

you will be fine. clean the top once a month.

 

[Oregon Grown Reef]

This should help. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/effects-of-various-aquarium-covers-on-light-transmission.736200/

 

[DC Reefer]

I have used both glass and mesh. I prefer mesh - less impact on light, don’t have to worry about condensation dripping all over each time i take the cover off and don’t have to clean as often. I run a dehumidifier in the house to take care of humidity.

 

[Sam816]

it majorly affects gas exchange. if you can draw air (for your skimmer) from out side your home then glass top will be ok. You might notice during the day but CO2 levels will rise considerably at night and winters(when all windows are closed). You can put lid holders/supports at a slight angle to run the condensation back in to the tank.

 

[Hugh Mann]

I have a glass top on my 55 gallon aquarium, mainly to stop jumpers and reduce evaporation, as I live in a very, very dry area. Talking almost gallon a day with a mesh cover. With it on its about a gallon a week.

It definitely gets crusted with salt and dust over time, but regular cleanings make it less of a problem, but there's definitely a reduction in light.

As for gas exchange, it's not a 100% cover, as there's gaps with all the HoB equipment, and between the filter, skimmer and powerhead disturbing the surface I haven't had any issues. I do also have relatively few fish though. I might recommend perhaps a 70/30 lid of glass and mesh?

Side note, don't use acrylic. I tried it at first, and it warps like crazy.

 

[alysak6075]

I run a glass top on my tanks. Lose about 10-12% of light. need to wipe the outside once a month for dust and such. No issues with gas exchange, skimmer takes care of that. Been like this for 6 years. Heat is far more of a concern. During summer heat builds up in the tank far more.

 

[vlangel]

I have used both glass and mesh tops to stop jumpers. Cleaning the glass once a week was not that big a deal. I know gas exchanged is lessened but truthfully I had the same success both ways. LOL, actually now I have the back half of the top covered with mesh and the front with glass. Talk about a compromise but it works for me.