lid for tank

[skyedale]

I need a lid for my Fluval M90.

First question is glass or acrylic? If glass, what kind of glass should I use? Which will let the most light through?

It has a built-in sump. Should the sump be covered or left open?

I will need to get clips that go over the edge of the glass as it is a rimless tank. Any idea who to order them from?

Better yet does anybody know of a company that makes custom lids?

Thanks

Judi

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

First, why do you think you need a lid on your tank?

Also, do you have a chiller? If not, then you may want to leave the sump open to get the benefit of evaporative cooling, especially if you decide to enclose the top with glass or acrylic.

 

[smh254]

I could try these guys.
http://artfullyacrylic.3dcartstores.com/

 

[skyedale]

I need a lid for these reasons:

• The room that the tank is in is small and reacts quickly to furnace/AC changes. Living in Southern Ontario we get huge swings in the temp this time of year. It can be 65 during the day and below freezing at night.
• Now that the furnace is on the evaporation is huge. To keep the salinity at 1.024-26 I am having to top off twice a day.
• We turn the furnace down to 64F at night and the tank is dropping at least 8F during the night. I have two heaters running - one in the sump and one in the tank and they are not keeping pace during the night. The down side to a small tank - 35 US gal. Tank is currently cycling so there is no livestock. I suspect nothing likes that big a temp swing.
• At some point in the future I am considering getting a firefish and I don’t want it jumping out of the tank.
• I don’t want the cats going fishing or landing in the tank. They are used to getting on the top of the freshwater tanks. Sort of their version of a “glass bottom boat” experience. Typically the cats aren’t allowed in my office, but every now and again I forget to close the door.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Yikes! I can see why you are interested in covers and lids. I pretty much have exactly the opposite problems here in Florida

Yes, I think you should cover the sump and the display tank in your situation. The cover over the DT will be a pain to keep clean, but I don't see that you have may choices. You will need to figure out how to enhance oxygen exchange if you cover both the display tank and the sump.

 

[DeniseAndy]

Remember that covering your tank will mean less oxygen exchange. This can lead to low oxygen levels. Do you have a protein skimmer drawing in air? I would make sure you have larger and more heaters if the two you have cannot keep up. Keep the top glass clean, it will block a lot of light if not. I have this issue with my Fluval Edge, but love the tank otherwise.

 

[skyedale]

Remember that covering your tank will mean less oxygen exchange. This can lead to low oxygen levels. Do you have a protein skimmer drawing in air? I would make sure you have larger and more heaters if the two you have cannot keep up. Keep the top glass clean, it will block a lot of light if not. I have this issue with my Fluval Edge, but love the tank otherwise.

My skimmer draws in air. I think I will go with cover the display tank, but leave the sump open. I don’t use the cover that came with the tank, because the openings don’t suit the cords.

 

[Fuel1976]

Tagging along with a question. I've got a 120gal display with an 85gal sump. The tank is used and came with glass tops which I plan on using. The glass tops have a white hard film on them which I can't seem to remove. I've tried diluted vinegar but it's not working. Ideas? What will safely remove the white film that builds up over time? Cautious to use any chemicals.

 

[DeniseAndy]

Depends on if it is truly a film or etching of the glass from the chemicals in the tank. Etching destroys glass. Like in the dish washer if you use rough liquids. I am no glass expert though, so maybe someone can tell you how to get that off or remove the etching.