Put a Lid on it

[Rudzbrewski]

I've never used the red sea kit specifically, but when I build screen tops with bird netting from the hardware store and window frame kits, I ziptie it on before I push the mesh into the spline to make sure everything is even and to keep the edges at the tightness i want. I think the red sea kit is just a fancy version of what people DIY with hardware store components, so I feel like it would work..

I did the Red Sea kit. I have some tips in my build thread.

 

[William Mumford]

I used a peice of green house polycarbonate. Cut it with a jig saw and used the clear mesh for the middle. I get the cover with out any light filtering.

 

[Speaker]

Jumpguard for me. Lost a clown to a jump with egg crate lid. Decided to upgrade after that.

 

[mrmoray]

A bit of an older thread everyone, but rather than start a new one, I thought I’d ask here. I currently have a glass lid on my 75g. I see a lot of you use a mesh lid instead. This lets the tank breathe as I understand it. I assume this also allows for more evaporation and therefore the need for more top-off water, correct? Not the end of the world obviously, I’m just trying to understand the pros and cons before I make a switch?
thanks,
Mike

 

[Hydrored]

A bit of an older thread everyone, but rather than start a new one, I thought I’d ask here. I currently have a glass lid on my 75g. I see a lot of you use a mesh lid instead. This lets the tank breathe as I understand it. I assume this also allows for more evaporation and therefore the need for more top-off water, correct? Not the end of the world obviously, I’m just trying to understand the pros and cons before I make a switch?
thanks,
Mike

Correct! You generally get better PAR also when removing glass tops if not kept clean

 

[mrmoray]

Thanks! Thats another advantage to making the switch.
appreciate it,
mike

 

[Auquanut]

Just a few more things to consider.
1. Glass lids tend to trap heat. If you have issues keeping temp down in the warmer months like I did when I used glass tops, mesh tops may help. More evaporation = more heat dissipation.
2. It just seems like I had a lot more salt creep around the top of the tank when I used glass lids.
3. They're kind of a pain to keep clean.

 

[Rubberfrog]

You will get better light with a mesh lid. Glass fogs up. I just ordered a lid from ClearView Lids.

 

[attiland]

I’m actually in the process of making a lid. I bought a bunch of stuff at Lowes last weekend. I have a bowfront so it’s been interesting reading up on how to make diy lid with a curve but hopefully I’ll pull it off. The only fish I have in my tank right now is a pajama cardinal. She hasn’t shown any signs of jumping yet so I’m not too concerned but I’m wanting to get some gobies so I know I definitely need to have a lid made before they go in.

Would you consider a dragonet a jumper? Just found it dried up last week next to the tank and I have a glass lid. The gap is less than 1cm. The dis was smaller than the gap...

 

[attiland]

Jumpguard for me. Lost a clown to a jump with egg crate lid. Decided to upgrade after that.

This is really nice. Did you make it or have it made?

 

[Rincon_Reefer]

A Note from a newbie for newbies, but veterans please weigh in.

As a saltwater newbie I came into the hobby under the impression lids are optional. Some fish are labeled as jumping risks...but most tanks are shown without lids and the general idea is we don't want to suffocate the tank, spike pH, access is needed etc (I think). Mesh lids are the standard....My experience thus far is that every tank should have a lid.

All fish jump. I had to save my clown who jumped the first day I had him in after Quarantine. Pretty sure my dotty back jumped through a small crevice in my lid even after installed after the clown scare, though he might be hiding in the rocks (His name is Barry and he is probably a serial killer). And!: I just lost a midas blenny to jumping out of QT. None of these fish are labeled flight risks, but none the less have been jumpers.

I don't have any aggressive fish and I have plenty of hiding places in both tanks and the water parameters are reasonable (at least by beginner standards)....but fish jump. Thats my story and I am sticking to it.

Subsequently I have ordered a clearview lid for the DT and will retrofit my current red sea cover for the QT, but will rig something else up in the mean time.

PS....Does anybody have any tricks on how to put together the red sea DIY lid so it doesn't look like hot garbage? For such a sleek looking tank the lid just ends up looking frumpy no matter what I do.

Update on my original post. Here is my clearview lid. I love it, build quality is great and fits perfect!

 

[Landers]

Would you consider a dragonet a jumper? Just found it dried up last week next to the tank and I have a glass lid. The gap is less than 1cm. The dis was smaller than the gap...

Yes I consider dragonets jumpers. Probably not as prone to jump as gobies and dartfish but still I wouldn’t want one in my tank without a secure lid. And I finally finished my diy lid for my bowfront and I made sure to cover every possible hole because I’ve read too many stories like yours of fish jumping out of the smallest holes. So sorry for your loss!