Glass lid

Murica · Jun 13, 2017

So I've seen a lot of posts about people not liking glass lids.. Biggest complaints I saw was light has a difficult time penetrating it and gas exchange.

My question is I have a glass lid that has a few holes that allows the tank to breathe.. Nothing significant. How much light does the glass lid diffuse compared to mesh and is the gas exchange that critical? My entire sump is enclosed.

Zwogle · Jun 13, 2017

You possibly would have enough gas exchange, but I'd think it would also be holding in more heat than a open or mesh lid. The other issue with light penetration on glass lids would be salt creep/ mineral build up on the glass, blocking a larger amount of light.

Murica · Jun 13, 2017

Zwogle said:
You possibly would have enough gas exchange, but I'd think it would also be holding in more heat than a open or mesh lid. The other issue with light penetration on glass lids would be salt creep/ mineral build up on the glass, blocking a larger amount of light.

I forgot to add that heat is not an issue for me and I wash my lids before salt creep and mineral deposits are an issue

Mr. Bill · Jun 13, 2017

I've always used a full hood or glass cover on my tanks and have never had any issues with it.

azbigjohn · Jun 13, 2017

I think it is all a personal aesthetics question for many people.

I keep a tight mesh lid on my tank for heat reasons (I live in Phoenix, and do not use a chiller, I use fans) as well as promoting extra gas exchange. One other concern is that if you have jumpers, or are trying to prevent jumpers, a fish hitting a glass lid at full swim could cause damage to themselves hitting a hard glass lid.

If it works for you, then by all means, if that is what you prefer, than go with it!

Bdog4u2 · Jun 13, 2017

I have glass myself but I bought the brs kit for better light. I paid a lot for my lights and I want every penny of it used. I took one lid off and left the other on and could see the difference.