Glass tank covers?

[Sgt Jonny Cat]

Hello all, I have a 55 gallon tank, and I want to start growing corals. The T5 lights I'm looking at are Aquatic Life 48 inch. The thing is, the lights sit on legs on top of the tank which apparently interfere with opening the tank covers. I cant suspend them from the ceiling as we have vaulted ceilings in the room, and my stand is metal, so I cant mount to that either.

My question is, do I need covers on my tank? Right now I have 2 clowns, a small yellow tang a small blue tang and I want to get maybe a dwarf flame angel, and maybe a cardinal or 2. I don't think any of these guys are jumpers.

Any thoughts on this? And if I don't have the covers which fish should I avoid??

[m0nkie]

subscribed... I got a permanent glass top that covers 1/4 of my tank. Wondering the same thing.

People are going to say your tank is too small for a blue tang

[thegrun]

Any fish is a potential jumper. I would build a cover from 1/4" clear birds netting (Bulk Reef Supply sells it) and a window screen frame from Home Depot or Lowe's. I thought I had a fish selection that would not jump, Mrs. Clown tried to bite me but unfortunately for her I just happened to move my hand at the moment she charged. Result, Mrs. Clown ended up on the floor. When I lost my reef safe Flame Angel after 5 years when it went carpet surfing I finally gave in and covered the tank. The 1/4" mesh does not block as much light as the glass, doesn't need to be cleaned, doesn't trap heat and allows air to get to the water surface.

[toothybugs]

The above advice is very good, regarding the mesh top. Alternatively, you could take 2 panels of polycarbonate to fit and cut a door in one of them if you like, polycarbonate is very clear like acrylic (won't block any of your light spectrum). Keep the cutout and reattach it with a couple small hinges and a drop of silicone to attach. Rudimentary but easy.

[MinnFish]

As far as lighting goes. You could build a light stand out of aluminum, attach it to the stand. Or from the floor up.

[Sgt Jonny Cat]

Thanks everyone...and yes I know a blue tang will out grow my tank but he's tiny right now and I couldn't resist... and my LFS will let me trade him in for credit when the time comes...

[Deinonych]

Originally Posted by thegrun

any fish is a potential jumper. I would build a cover from 1/4" clear birds netting (bulk reef supply sells it) and a window screen frame from home depot or lowe's. I thought i had a fish selection that would not jump, mrs. Clown tried to bite me but unfortunately for her i just happened to move my hand at the moment she charged. Result, mrs. Clown ended up on the floor. When i lost my reef safe flame angel after 5 years when it went carpet surfing i finally gave in and covered the tank. The 1/4" mesh does not block as much light as the glass, doesn't need to be cleaned, doesn't trap heat and allows air to get to the water surface.

+1

[intyme]

I say go with a mesh top. It won't block the light you are paying for

[TDM70]

Originally Posted by Sgt Jonny Cat

Thanks everyone...and yes I know a blue tang will out grow my tank but he's tiny right now and I couldn't resist... and my LFS will let me trade him in for credit when the time comes...

Big or small Tangs like to swim long distances, it ties into how they breathe.
Not bashing, just saying.