Glass lids?

[instantaquatics]

Hey guys why don't i see many people using glass lids on their reef? Does it lower PAR? What are the cons of one?

 

[laverda]

Condensation collects on the inside reducing lighting and growing algae. They also reduce oxygen exchange at the surface.

 

[acesfull44]

I have had glass lids on my 150 since day 1 (3 yrs). While they are great for keeping fish in the tank (I have jumpers) and keeping water evap to a min, they are a pain to keep clean, and I know it effects my par. I am currently trying to figure out how to build a screen based top.

 

[Mr.Asbury]

I think its a combination of the things the earlier posts mention and because screen tops are cheap/lightweight/easy to DIY.

 

[67chevellemalibu2]

I have glass lids on my 125 and a powerhead pointed towards the surface.
I wonder if I should keep one lid open for better oxygen exchange?

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Glass lids can injure jumping fish. That's one reason I use mesh.

 

[67chevellemalibu2]

I don’t think a mesh top will hurt any less [emoji848]

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

I don’t think a mesh top will hurt any less [emoji848]

Lol I propose an experiment. You and I will each run head first into a sliding patio door. You hit the glass, I will hit the screen. We can compare notes to evaluate the difference.

But seriously, fish sustain head and spinal injuries from glass tops all the time. With mesh, they just bounce off like a trampoline.

 

[brwaldbaum]

With mesh, they just bounce off like a trampoline.

https://www.reef2reef.com/attachments/2ae5bbf5-9622-48bf-9663-2c2835c0a747-jpeg.911580/

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

That one is eggcrate covered with mesh. Looks like the fish made it through the eggcrate and got pinned between the layers. A mesh only lid may have prevented that death.

Even if it isn't failproof, a mesh lid is much safer for the fish.

But the choice is yours.

 

[instantaquatics]

That one is eggcrate covered with mesh. Looks like the fish made it through the eggcrate and got pinned between the layers. A mesh only lid may have prevented that death.

Even if it isn't failproof, a mesh lid is much safer for the fish.

But the choice is yours.

Metal mesh may cut the fish. They aren't heavy enough to actually impact the mesh instead of themselves like us. Gas exchange really is important though so I won't be doing glass, I just wanted to solve the stupid humidity and smell in my room. It doesn't smell like fish, it just makes it really humid and THAT smells bad.