Tank Covering: What, How, When and Why?

[kodiak]

I saw this thread on insta, so thought I’d share my lid. It doesn’t cover 100% but it’s way better than no lid.

 

[See Gee Sea]

Wasn’t thrilled with the DIY from Red Sea and have to take it off when feeding or maintenance. Just had a red fire fish go over the wall. I never saw it happen and was probably right there!

 

[FortyFour44]

After a few unfortunate (but predictable) fatalities, I had a custom lid built from Octo Aquatics.

 

[Jeff Kohlmann]

My tank stays covered all the time with glass tops because I have a 35 yr old male and a 65 yr old female living in the same house who show zero respect for anything or anyone other than themselves. The female has poisoned the new puppy and constantly puts carpet fresh down right against the aquarium.

I have made her pay for the invertebrates she's killed and the vet bill for the puppy. But, she still does it and doesn't care. Never apologized for any of it.

She's even admitted that she thinks I am lying about keeping powders and sprays away from the tank.:mad:

Unless she (65 yo) is senile I think she belongs under glass

 

[Jeff Kohlmann]

Always had covers and want to have a cover on my next one.

What is the Pro and Cons of acrylic vs glass?

Acrylic is heavier, yellows as it ages & scratches easy. Low iron glass is very clear though a bit more costly. Right now I’m looking for a manufacturer of low iron glass for myself for a 200G I’d like to purchase myself if anyone knows of a company please let me know

 

[Katrina71]

All fish jump. @cromag27 makes screens that look so amazing and sleek, why risk it?

 

[mrk1720]

Yes, covered 24/7 with hinged glass cover.

Keeps evap down and I have 2 wrasses.

Had to turn the heater back 2 clicks but it's stable now at 78 ish..

 

[Jeff Kohlmann]

Acrylic is heavier, yellows as it ages & scratches easy. Low iron glass is very clear though a bit more costly. Right now I’m looking for a manufacturer of low iron glass for myself for a 200G I’d like to purchase myself if anyone knows of a company please let me know

Glass Cages Joe Munden glasscages.com 615-446-8877
Crystal Dynamics
Planet Aquariums

What kind of filtration system? Bean? Boxes? I still haven't decided.

 

[terraincognita]

Today let's talk about covering our aquariums to keep our fishy friends from becoming fish jerky on the floor!

If you've ever lost fish to jumping then you know how disheartening and frustrating it can be. Sometimes even with a covered tank you'll have a fishy escape artist to find a way out and down on to the floor! So....let's discuss it!

1. Is your tank covered? If not please tell us your reasoning.

2. How do you have your tank covered and are you happy with the solution you're using?

3. What do you dislike about having to keep your tank covered?

My tank is not covered because I don't have any jumpers.

The only reason I'd add coverage is for Evap purposes and temp, but I don't.

I know people worry about things falling in, but the only thing I've ever had fall in was a stink bug.... who unfortuantely died very quickly and I scooped him out.

I think Lids are important if you have shallow reefs or fish that could jump.

I just stick away from jumpers .

 

[rob s.]

all fish can jump......

 

[wlj3]

I use a screen top just like this! I have many fairy wrasses!!! Must have a cover

How did you make that lid/cover?

 

[RobW]

My tank stays covered all the time with glass tops because I have a 35 yr old male and a 65 yr old female living in the same house who show zero respect for anything or anyone other than themselves. The female has poisoned the new puppy and constantly puts carpet fresh down right against the aquarium.

I have made her pay for the invertebrates she's killed and the vet bill for the puppy. But, she still does it and doesn't care. Never apologized for any of it.

She's even admitted that she thinks I am lying about keeping powders and sprays away from the tank.:mad:

Holy Cow! Thats terrible!

 

[sreefs]

I got the framing at Lowes, it is storm door aluminum screen frame they have it with corner pieces sold separately.
Cut with hack saw to length you need and then file burrs off. I got the netting from BRS when I made mine it was hard to find clear 1/4" netting. BRS sells it I also think they have a video on there site how to make a cover! BRS is BulkReefSupply.com