Mesh, Glass, or No top?

Ruzoko · Jul 7, 2021

Was reading on what would be best for my reef and can't decide on the best course, currently have a glass top over the DT with the sump open with a mesh as the air conditioner is constantly throwing kitty hairs into my tank up top. So the question is should I stick with the glass top with the usual weekly cleaning for salt creep, swap to a mesh top so more light penetrates, or go lidless (prob not the best option though). The glass definitely cuts back on the evaporation and helps with heat loss since I keep the house at 71/72F and the reef is kept at 76/77F.

boacvh · Jul 7, 2021

I vote mesh. I had glass and just got tired of the constant cleaning. And yes, par increase as you mention. Very happy with the change.

blasterman · Jul 7, 2021

I use glass to reduce water evap, which it does a lot. Depends on your goal. I have to turn my light up a bit. Big deal. Water = money.

t.little · Sep 10, 2021

Ruzoko said:
Was reading on what would be best for my reef and can't decide on the best course, currently have a glass top over the DT with the sump open with a mesh as the air conditioner is constantly throwing kitty hairs into my tank up top. So the question is should I stick with the glass top with the usual weekly cleaning for salt creep, swap to a mesh top so more light penetrates, or go lidless (prob not the best option though). The glass definitely cuts back on the evaporation and helps with heat loss since I keep the house at 71/72F and the reef is kept at 76/77F.

My new Top Lids mesh lid.

t.little · Sep 10, 2021

t.little said:
My new Top Lids mesh lid.

It also has a one piece insert that covers the mesh to control water evap. when we go on vacation

Ruzoko · Sep 10, 2021

t.little said:
It also has a one piece insert that covers the mesh to control water evap. when we go on vacation

Niiiice where did you get that? Or custom? I was looking at that red sea one.

Phistergosh · Sep 10, 2021

mesh works well to keep fish and snails in. depending on the size of your lid, it can be annoying to remove to feed the fish. doesnt block much light.

i had glass lids. the water condenses and splashes so it blocks light. they get scale on them that you need a razor blade to remove. i was wiping them down every few days. became a chore.

i would vote for no top. if you have jumpers, get mesh

t.little · Sep 10, 2021

Ruzoko said:
Niiiice where did you get that? Or custom? I was looking at that red sea one.

I have a ProStar 150 and ordered this through TopLids. It’s completely customizable. I added feed doors, light mounts on sides, etc…

Ruzoko · Sep 10, 2021

Phistergosh said:
mesh works well to keep fish and snails in. depending on the size of your lid, it can be annoying to remove to feed the fish. doesnt block much light.

i had glass lids. the water condenses and splashes so it blocks light. they get scale on them that you need a razor blade to remove. i was wiping them down every few days. became a chore.

i would vote for no top. if you have jumpers, get mesh

No jumpers just a couple snails that like to escape, and ya i have a glass top for splash currently and cleaning every few days is a chore and it doesnt fully fit on the 40 since i have my hob equipment

Yazannreef · Sep 10, 2021

Sesh all the way!!! Used glass and had to clean it all the time. Also a hassle to lift and watch for it not to fall. Yes mesh will evaporate water faster than glass but at the same time you get full light par penetration while you have to compensate for that with glass top.

It also look clean!!!

blaxsun · Sep 10, 2021

I had just as many fish jump through the mesh on my older small tanks than without, so I’ve just opted for no lid on my new system, which is 3x larger and much deeper.

Poof No Eyebrows · Sep 10, 2021

Personally I don’t run any top on any of my tanks but if I were to vote I would say mesh. It provides protection but still allows your tank to breathe.

Montiman · Sep 10, 2021

I have 2 tanks, 1 with no top and 1 with glass. I really like the no top look and I find it much easier to do maintenance in than my tank with a top. However I like no jumping and the lower evaporation rate.

I would never put a cover on a rimless tank. It looks uglier than sin IMO. I would also emphasize that I have had no jumpers in my rimless open top tank in over 5 years. I did have jumpers previous to this but have since learned that some fish just like to jump and they really aren't my favorites. As long as I don't include fish taxa known for jumping then I have no issues going open top.

mermaid_life · Sep 11, 2021

I tried a few different types. I tried multiple piece acrylic top - don't do that it warps. I had glass, but didn't like the condensation and salt creep. Then went with one of the expensive custom polycarbonate tops. The particular company I went with was no bueno, but even if the lid didn't break, I found the top to be extremely limiting (you're stuck with the cutouts) and heavy/saggy.

I currently have a DIY top that I actually like the look of MUCH better. Even though it's rimless, you can buy clips to have the rails sit low. The black rails actually match the black silicone very nicely. You can also buy cut-outs for cords and lights and if you ever change your mind, it's a very easy change. I heard some people are using black colored mesh - I'm going to try that on my next one. (Please excuse the dirty glass. I haven't cleaned it yet today)

sslater0679 · Sep 11, 2021

mermaid_life said:
I tried a few different types. I tried multiple piece acrylic top - don't do that it warps. I had glass, but didn't like the condensation and salt creep. Then went with one of the expensive custom polycarbonate tops. The particular company I went with was no bueno, but even if the lid didn't break, I found the top to be extremely limiting (you're stuck with the cutouts) and heavy/saggy.

I currently have a DIY top that I actually like the look of MUCH better. Even though it's rimless, you can buy clips to have the rails sit low. The black rails actually match the black silicone very nicely. You can also buy cut-outs for cords and lights and if you ever change your mind, it's a very easy change. I heard some people are using black colored mesh - I'm going to try that on my next one. (Please excuse the dirty glass. I haven't cleaned it yet today)

Did you buy one of those diy kits. If so which one was it. I’m thinking about doing a diy myself.

mermaid_life · Sep 11, 2021

If you have a straight forward rectangle, I would spend the little extra and go with innovative marine. The rails are thicker and sturdier.

Link to amazon: https://amzn.to/3E97Pf6

If you have a lot of cords, AFS, lighting mounts, etc, then you need to buy several smaller kits and get creative. Red Sea kits have more corners and pieces you can buy separately to accommodate overflows, etc, but like everything else, their corner pieces are proprietary to their rails and it's way too expensive IMO. I also don't like their clip design.

Third option is going online and searching for 3D printed corners (lots of ppl design them, including myself): https://www.splashengineering.com/product/diy-aquarium-cover/ These fit the standard rails that you can buy at homedepot/lowes for your windows and doors. This is the best way IMO for reasons I mentioned before: lightweight, cheapest, most modular/adaptive. Because I'm a little obsessive with perfection, I suggest spray painting the rails black also. For some reason, these only come in dark bronze or white

https://amzn.to/3nozH9d