Hi, I'm planning my first reef tank. It will be in my living room. I like to have an open tank, but I also have a parrot. is it a risc to have an open tank, do I need a closed tank to avoid the risc of bad stuff in my tank ?
Open or close tank
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NeonRabbit221B
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I would suggest a netted top atleast as I have had several jumpers. Bumping cause I am curious.
Sweetreef21
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Its really entirely up to you. A netted screen top is ideal but as far as your parrot goes it will learn its lesson quickly if it ever decides to fly over and check it out lol. Ive always ran my tanks open top no problem except for my cat jumped in once, it was the first and last time!
Peace River
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I would recommend a net top to keep fish in and most of the feathers out. Good luck with whatever you decide!
Peace River
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I had the same experience with a cat. She used to walk around the top edge of the tank until that one time....
Greybeard
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My red lorried amazon, Alura, has been with me for over 30 years now. She doesn't fly much, but as with any parrot, there's a bit of dust from her feathers. No big deal, never impacted my aquarium. I've no worries that she's going to land in my tank... but I'd laugh my rear off if she did 
I tried, hard, to run a topless aquarium. It's a long, fat, low tank, with a bar surround, and a high, hanging lights. It looks way better with no top. Defended my decision on several occasions, but eventually, I gave it up. Bought a clear framed screen top from Octo Aquatics. Expensive, but it looks great, and I haven't lost a fish since.
I may one day run an open top aquarium again... but if I do, it'll be stocked with pipefish, box fish, bottom dwelling scorpionfish, anglers, etc. Fish that simply can't generate enough speed to jump out of a tank
Short of that, nope, I can't recommend topless.
I tried, hard, to run a topless aquarium. It's a long, fat, low tank, with a bar surround, and a high, hanging lights. It looks way better with no top. Defended my decision on several occasions, but eventually, I gave it up. Bought a clear framed screen top from Octo Aquatics. Expensive, but it looks great, and I haven't lost a fish since.
I may one day run an open top aquarium again... but if I do, it'll be stocked with pipefish, box fish, bottom dwelling scorpionfish, anglers, etc. Fish that simply can't generate enough speed to jump out of a tank
Short of that, nope, I can't recommend topless.
Sweetreef21
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Haha such curious kitties!!I had the same experience with a cat. She used to walk around the top edge of the tank until that one time....
Jon Fishman
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No top. Just don’t stock wrasses etc.
A lot depends on the tank..... A beautiful starfire rimless tank is like an art piece in your living room.... no way I’d put a top on it. If it has a plastic lined bracing all around it, then put a canopy on it. my $0.02
A lot depends on the tank..... A beautiful starfire rimless tank is like an art piece in your living room.... no way I’d put a top on it. If it has a plastic lined bracing all around it, then put a canopy on it. my $0.02
What could possibly go wrong?
Here is my cat Wyatt telling me "I told you to rinse the sand"
Here is my cat Wyatt telling me "I told you to rinse the sand"
