Lid or No Lid?

Felixc395 · 01/03/2010, 01:39 PM

Hi. Right now I'm debating whether I want to keep my lid on my aquarium. The lid is very dirty with salt residue stuck to it that I cannot get off. How much would it affect the PAR from my T5 lights if I took the lid off? Would it have a positive impact? And is there that big of a difference between having a lid on that's clean and not having a lid at all for PAR?

Thanks!!!

Daniel Reef · 01/03/2010, 01:44 PM

I used a lid in my old tank and now I want to restart it. However, I tried for hours trying to get the coralline algae off, but I couldn't get it all off. So I am considering using a netting to cover the top.

seafansar · 01/03/2010, 01:48 PM

What kind of lid do you have? glass? I made screen mesh tops for all my tanks. They don't collect that much salt and don't block the light.

210reefer · 01/03/2010, 01:51 PM

I have run topless for 15 yrs, I at least feel it provides better oxygen exchange but never actuall tested with and without lids. I do know it makes a big difference with temps which is another reason I do not se tops.

Felixc395 · 01/03/2010, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seafansar

What kind of lid do you have? glass? I made screen mesh tops for all my tanks. They don't collect that much salt and don't block the light.

Currently I have a very dirty glass top. A mesh screen may be a good idea, but I'm just not the DIY type of guy. I was just wondering if a lid affects PAR of the lights anymore than not having one or if it doesn't make a difference.

Thank you everyone for the advice so far!

Felixc395 · 01/03/2010, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 210reefer

I have run topless for 15 yrs, I at least feel it provides better oxygen exchange but never actuall tested with and without lids. I do know it makes a big difference with temps which is another reason I do not se tops.

That seems like a very good point. That is a very important factor in the aquarium hobby. In your opinion, do you believe you get better light penetration than if you used a glass lid?

jdak · 01/03/2010, 02:44 PM

Better light... better oxygen... easy access... no lit...

nicknguyen · 01/03/2010, 03:16 PM

no lids, better lighting, better temp. but fish will and do jump out.

Felixc395 · 01/03/2010, 08:15 PM

Unless you have a canopy. They'll still jump, they just don't have as good as a chance of jumping over the sides.

triggerfreak · 01/03/2010, 08:42 PM

Where did you get the stuff to build this and what are the materials exactley.Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by seafansar

What kind of lid do you have? glass? I made screen mesh tops for all my tanks. They don't collect that much salt and don't block the light.

Playa-1 · 01/03/2010, 08:49 PM

I run an open top on my tank and have never had a jumper but I know it's just a matter of time. Ironically I have lost a jumper in my QT that had a lid on it, but the fish still found an open spot.

seafansar · 01/04/2010, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by triggerfreak

Where did you get the stuff to build this and what are the materials exactley.Thanks!

I used aluminum screen frame, corners, and splining material from a hardware store. I bought the mesh from another reefer, so I'm not totally sure where to get it. It has 1/4" openings so the fish can't fit through it.
Just measure out the opening, cut the aluminum with a hacksaw and put it together like a screen window. It wasn't that hard to make and I'm by no means a DIY'er.
There are a few other threads on RC showing step by step how to make them. Just search for "mesh top" and you should find some.

I have a tilefish and anthias that's I've heard hit the mesh top many times.

twiggyb · 01/04/2010, 04:49 PM

I just recently made a mesh top, I'm only using it cause I purchased a wrasse I don't want getting out. Evaporation is quicker also with no top on, I lose almost a gallon a day in evap. so that's something to consider also

01/03/2010, 01:39 PM	#1
Felixc395 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1,612	Lid or No Lid? Hi. Right now I'm debating whether I want to keep my lid on my aquarium. The lid is very dirty with salt residue stuck to it that I cannot get off. How much would it affect the PAR from my T5 lights if I took the lid off? Would it have a positive impact? And is there that big of a difference between having a lid on that's clean and not having a lid at all for PAR? Thanks!!!

01/03/2010, 01:44 PM	#2
Daniel Reef Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Glendale, Arizona Posts: 1,430	I used a lid in my old tank and now I want to restart it. However, I tried for hours trying to get the coralline algae off, but I couldn't get it all off. So I am considering using a netting to cover the top. __________________ Daniel Restarting my tank 90g 20g Life Reef sump 5ft Life Reef Skimmer See my album for pre-build tank pictures.

01/03/2010, 01:48 PM	#3
seafansar Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Deltona, FL Posts: 1,023	What kind of lid do you have? glass? I made screen mesh tops for all my tanks. They don't collect that much salt and don't block the light. __________________ -Sara Current Tank Info: mixed reef

01/04/2010, 04:49 PM	#13
twiggyb Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: DeSoto, MO Posts: 3,813	I just recently made a mesh top, I'm only using it cause I purchased a wrasse I don't want getting out. Evaporation is quicker also with no top on, I lose almost a gallon a day in evap. so that's something to consider also __________________ -Daniel- Love, grease and chicken peace! Chicken are people too. Current Tank Info: 29g since March 2012

01/03/2010, 01:51 PM	#4
210reefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 75	I have run topless for 15 yrs, I at least feel it provides better oxygen exchange but never actuall tested with and without lids. I do know it makes a big difference with temps which is another reason I do not se tops.

01/03/2010, 02:44 PM	#7
jdak Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 91	Better light... better oxygen... easy access... no lit...

01/03/2010, 03:16 PM	#8
nicknguyen Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: katy, Tx Posts: 134	no lids, better lighting, better temp. but fish will and do jump out.

01/03/2010, 08:15 PM	#9
Felixc395 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1,612	Unless you have a canopy. They'll still jump, they just don't have as good as a chance of jumping over the sides.

01/03/2010, 08:49 PM	#11
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	I run an open top on my tank and have never had a jumper but I know it's just a matter of time. Ironically I have lost a jumper in my QT that had a lid on it, but the fish still found an open spot.