Kraken/Clearview/Top Lids - WHICH ONE ?

ESABOE · Jan 6, 2024

thecodingart said:
Naturally went over. That’s the best part, 0 cutouts required.

Thanks!

Devaji · Feb 29, 2024

older thread but bumping this up. as I am in the same boat for a RS 300XL
I had a clear view for a RS 650P I liked it pretty good but i did not like the fat trio around the lid when you take it off drip everywhere.

so I am kinda leaning towards the Pisces EXO for that very reason.

thecodingart said:
Here's a top down of the Kraken lid

thecodingart said:
Here's a better top lid or clear view top down for reference

why did you like the kraken style over the clear view? what features did it have that you enjoyed better?

thecodingart · Feb 29, 2024

Devaji said:
older thread but bumping this up. as I am in the same boat for a RS 300XL
I had a clear view for a RS 650P I liked it pretty good but i did not like the fat trio around the lid when you take it off drip everywhere.

so I am kinda leaning towards the Pisces EXO for that very reason.

why did you like the kraken style over the clear view? what features did it have that you enjoyed better?

Kraken just has aesthetics that are far far superior IMO. It’s a much cleaner and uniform look + cut.

Clear View isn’t my cup of tea, and there are some dialogues worth looking at in regards to material and bowing.

ESABOE · Feb 29, 2024

I went with TopLids and here was my reasoning and photos is your curious:

Thread 'Top Lids for the Win!'
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/top-lids-for-the-win.1027212/

Devaji · Feb 29, 2024

ESABOE said:
I went with TopLids and here was my reasoning and photos is your curious:

Thread 'Top Lids for the Win!'
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/top-lids-for-the-win.1027212/

yeah was just looking at your build thread. also chatting with top lids guys now.
do you get water build up on the underside of the lid?

Cell · Feb 29, 2024

thecodingart said:
Kraken just has aesthetics that are far far superior IMO. It’s a much cleaner and uniform look + cut.

Clear View isn’t my cup of tea, and there are some dialogues worth looking at in regards to material and bowing.

+1

ESABOE · Feb 29, 2024

Devaji said:
yeah was just looking at your build thread. also chatting with top lids guys now.
do you get water build up on the underside of the lid?

No water buildup anywhere. Also, I absolutely love the feedholes. I upgraded to the large size 6" long x 3.5" deep. My hands are petite, so I can get a lot of things done through those.

ESABOE · Feb 29, 2024

ESABOE said:
No water buildup anywhere. Also, I absolutely love the feedholes. I upgraded to the large size 6" long x 3.5" deep. My hands are petite, so I can get a lot of things done through those.

Don't forget to mention I sent you their way! Really sweet group of guys

Devisissy · Feb 29, 2024

Top Lids has a predatory return policy and how they want you to do measurements is absurd. The way the deal with issues is unacceptable. The reef community deserves better than half the nonsense people push on us.

ESABOE · Feb 29, 2024

Devisissy said:
Top Lids has a predatory return policy and how they want you to do measurements is absurd. The way the deal with issues is unacceptable. The reef community deserves better than half the nonsense people push on us.

Not my experience at all. I appreciated the way we went through the measuring together - just because a vendor has a template for a particular brands tank and model, there are always inconsistencies when they tank is built. And if you have known jumpers that like to squeeze through the littlest of openings, those small differences can be devastating. My Red Sea was in fact about a skooch off from their stated specs and I'm glad i just didn't say to TopLids, "Yeah, just use the template".

I'm not here to start an argument thread back and forth. So I will end my comments and leave everyone to choose what's best for them.

BigAl07 · Apr 9, 2024

Great thread with a TON of useful information.

I'm in the same situation right now (WB Inifina 150.4) and I'm going with Top Lids. Thus far, their Customer Service has been AMAZING! I'm hoping to get mine drawn and approved in a day or two and then have a lid in 7 weeks.

@ESABOE Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences here.

Allen in NC

mizukage · Jun 14, 2024

thecodingart said:
I have a Clear View or Top Lids on one tank — 260 gallon — (came with the tank) and I’m getting a Kraken lid today for my Waterbox 150.4 tank.

Can definitely shoot over any thoughts when I have the other lid in hand.

I can concretely tell you I absolutely loathe the Waterbox lids lol.

How are you liking the kraken lid for your 150.4? How’s the fit and finish? I’m curious given the size, is the lid one piece or two piece?

Thank you

BrunoL · Jul 18, 2024

My apologies if this has been asked but @Kraken Reef do you ship to the EU (France to be more specific) or have an EU retailer? Those look amazing but options over here are limited.

Steve D. · Aug 25, 2024

What is the verdict regarding TOP LIDS versus KRAKEN LIDS? Who provides the best lids? Does anyone have and idea as to the impact of these lids on light intensity and PAR? How do these lids handle humidity in terms of maintaining transparency. Thank you in advance for your feedback. These lids are pricy and, at those prices I want the best product. sd

ninjamyst · Aug 25, 2024

Steve D. said:
What is the verdict regarding TOP LIDS versus KRAKEN LIDS? Who provides the best lids? Does anyone have and idea as to the impact of these lids on light intensity and PAR? How do these lids handle humidity in terms of maintaining transparency. Thank you in advance for your feedback. These lids are pricy and, at those prices I want the best product. sd

Top Lids still messed up my lid for my 200g tank after I sent them all the measurements they asked for. The mistakes weren't huge that they have to send me new lids but definitely annoying given how much they cost. Service was fine....just disappointed at the end result.

I definitely noticed a drop off in light intensity but don't have a PAR meter to give accurate percentage loss. Salt creep builds up quickly too and further reduce light.

$600 for acrylic and nets....pretty crazy what we put up with in this hobby

allieW · Aug 25, 2024

ESABOE said:
All,
The next step in my build for my Red Sea Reefer 350 G2 is to choose a lid.
All three of these companies (Kraken/Clearview/Top Lids) seem to produce a quality product based on my research of reviews and I’m sure I will be fine with one of them.

My question is: Does someone here have experience with more than one of these brands and can tell me their preference and why.

I want to focus on just these 3 brands and am looking for responses from actual experience owning at least one of them, but prefer two.

I have a basic setup and won’t need a lid with a lot of extra modifications. Just standard cutout for Red Sea lights, wire holes for Red Sea wave maker, and the hole to drop food in.

Thank you!