Has anyone seen a cover like this?

[Zionas]

This is the kind my LFS in China recommends for my tank over a screen top. They say it’s something that’s related to the lighting and they think a glass top or acrylic top would weaken the lighting and UV sterilizer. However, I don’t know what this kind of cover is called, and how effective it is. I’d love my fellow reefers to tell me more about this. Thanks.

 

[Zionas]

It’s the black chunk on top.

 

[Aquavaj]

Maybe I'm missing something but it looks like a canopy to me.

 

[Chrille26]

It looks like a regular canopy built around the lights. The benefit is there is less lightspill around the tank and into the room. I prefer a mesh top as it doesnt block the light and it prevents fish from jumping, also its less heat trapped in the tank and around the lights. Also maintenance is easy since its simple to lift the mesh of and access the whole tank.

 

[Zionas]

How effective is this kind of canopy at preventing jumpers? That’s what I am most worried about by far.

 

[Viking_Reefing]

How effective is this kind of canopy at preventing jumpers? That’s what I am most worried about by far.

It looks to be fairly tall so unless a fish can clear the entire lip I would think that it’s 100% effective.

one note on the mesh tops is that they do actually block some minuscule amount of light (I believe it’s like 3-5%). However, as the mesh gets some salt spray/dust attaching to it I would suspect that it will block more light.

 

[Zionas]

I’m starting with softies and not going for LPS until my tank’s up and running for a couple of months so as long as this canopy can prevent fish like Gobies, Hawks, Grammas, and wrasses, he’ll even Clowns and Tangs and so on from jumping I’ll be happy.

 

[codycolina707]

How effective is this kind of canopy at preventing jumpers? That’s what I am most worried about by far.

probably depends on the tank i know with the 55 i had standard plastic trim i had 2 clownfish jump out and get in between the canopy of it but now with my euro braced tank i wouldnt see that being a problem

 

[Zionas]

Thanks. I’ll also look into euro bracing. No way I’m having anything less than a maximum covered tank. Don’t want to risk jumpy fish jumping out, even Clowns.

 

[Zionas]

Would love to hear more about the effectiveness of these.