do i really need a lid?

[Ro Bow]

Hi i am gonna get the 300XL Reefer tank (65g), and will get some basic fish - clowns, gobies, blennies, some wrasses, etc. Would i need a lid? I know i probably need a lid for the wrasse, however are there any wrasses that don't jump? Also I would appreciate any other ideas for stocking a 65g peaceful mixed reef!

 

[Reef.]

Yes, all fish can jump, at present you just see them as fish, when you have been looking after them for a while you will hate to walk in one morning and see one of your pets on the floor just because you thought your tank would look better without a lid.

 

[dvgyfresh]

I don’t use a lid , I have blennies , six line , clowns and dottyback

 

[lissailor]

It’s not if, but when. And I resisted a lid until the day I found my trigger on the carpet. Luckily I scooped him back up and put him into the tank quickly enough that he survived. Just get it now and be done with it.

 

[Mjl714]

I’ve had clowns jump, I’ve found a lid, with netting provides terrific safety for the specimens and little inconvenience for me. I use a netted top and would recommend one.

 

[Jedi1199]

It’s not if, but when. And I resisted a lid until the day I found my trigger on the carpet. Luckily I scooped him back up and put him into the tank quickly enough that he survived. Just get it now and be done with it.

I found one of my baby Percula clowns on the floor one morning while getting ready for work. I am lucky I didn't step on him. He survived thankfully.. The Diamond goby that jumped from my 55, unfortunately did not have such luck. One of the cats found him first and sad to say he did not survive.

So in answer to the OP, YES.. cover your tank!!!

 

[BostonReefer300]

Congrats on getting the new tank! That's a really nice one and it's a great size for a starter reef tank. Big enough to have plenty of system stability---and to be able to add cool fish and corals.
Definitely +1 on all fish can jump---and some will definitely jump. What's your reason for not wanting a lid? If it's because of the way it looks, there are some great solutions ranging from DIY cheap to expensive custom made options that look really nice. Regarding the latter, check out Clearview Lids and Kraken Reef for custom lid examples. Regarding the former, you can buy a cheap, thin acrylic sheet and cut it to size yourself or have a local glass shop do it for a few bucks.

 

[Chefwheredyougo]

Get the lid. I have one on my AIO and just lost a clown 2 days ago. The lid was off for 5 minutes during a water change. Didn't know he was missing until an hour later, found him on the floor dried out.
Lids save lives

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Ur gonna want some form or lid or.cover yes.
You can diy make one from a window screen kit at the hardware store and some smalle 1/4" square bird netting. From the garden section. U will need the black spline material and spline tool. Looks like a pizza cutter. Hths u man.
D

 

[Squidward]

Yes you'll need a lid. Fish will jump. Maybe not soon but eventually and you'll be devastated. I had a blonde naso tang jump after having it for over 5 years.

 

[Auto-pilot]

I've left my lid off and had fish jump. If you ask me I'd say yes... what's the hassle of a lid if it saves a brand new wrasse from jumping out of your tank

 

[Celestion]

I believe you got your awnswer, lol

 

[Tamberav]

Yah unless you don’t mind replacing the fish and potentially bringing in disease with each new one.

The worst is when you get attached and the fish hasn’t jumped and it’s been years… but then one day it does Bye bye fishy you have had for so long.

 

[anemoneanatomy]

There is basically no downside to having a lid, and you're ensuring that you don't come home to a fish dead on your floor.

 

[Waters]

As EVERYONE stated, get a lid lol. I have lost lionfish, multiple clowns....even a hawkfish. Only a matter of time before a fish jumps.

 

[BostonReefer300]

I believe this is what's called a consensus! Good luck with the tank kid and please post a build thread when you get started so we can all follow along!

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I put my lid on at nights and remove it in the morning.

 

[HawkeyeDJ]

I put my lid on at nights and remove it in the morning.

Why?

 

[Ro Bow]

Congrats on getting the new tank! That's a really nice one and it's a great size for a starter reef tank. Big enough to have plenty of system stability---and to be able to add cool fish and corals.
Definitely +1 on all fish can jump---and some will definitely jump. What's your reason for not wanting a lid? If it's because of the way it looks, there are some great solutions ranging from DIY cheap to expensive custom made options that look really nice. Regarding the latter, check out Clearview Lids and Kraken Reef for custom lid examples. Regarding the former, you can buy a cheap, thin acrylic sheet and cut it to size yourself or have a local glass shop do it for a few bucks.

my mom and dad say that its to expensive and i dont need it because fish are not stupid enough to jump out and kill themselves

 

[Wavesreef]

I have multiple tanks with clowns, blennies, wrasses, and etc. I have never put a lid on any of my tanks