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Glass lids

Should the glass lids be left on the aquarium. I am wondering if the glass takes away from t5 lighting. My fish havent leaped out of the tank yet. I know its a possibility but I'm building a cover so if they want to jump they'll bounce back in. I did have a dartfish jump into the overflow area once but I had just got him so he was nervous anyhow.
 

MadReefer

Staff member
NJRC Member
Moderator
To my knowledge glass prevents UVB light from getting through, I know this from all the reptiles my son keeps.
I would be more concerned with heat leaving the lid on as the water temp may get to high.

Edit: If you keep the lid clean then should be no problem of light getting through to the tank.
 

mnat

Officer Emeritus
Staff member
Moderator
Glass lids are generally taken off for two reasons. The first is what you alluded about with light penetration through the glass and also the fact that the glass will get build up on which takes away from it. The second reason is heat, glass traps the heat in the tank which can make your tank run warmer which could be a problem. The good thing about glass is that you don't get dramatic evaporation which is nice.

I currently have two glass tops because I have yet to build my frames from BRS which is just me being lazy.
 
The heat is something I didnt think about. My heaters are in the basement where the sump and fuge are. Currently tank runs around 78. I will keep an eye on that when frame is complete because I am putting fans in to keep lights cool.
 

mnat

Officer Emeritus
Staff member
Moderator
Make sure before you switch from the glass tops you have something in place for the evaporation because it will start to happen.
 
I would get rid of the glass lids for reasons listed above and make a plastic screen cover to keep fish from jumping out.I just got used to the fact that evaporation is all part of the hobby and all of us(glass lids or not) do top off anyway.The other issue I didnt like with glass lids is the algea that could grow and block or difuse the light.
 
I use egg crate. Works well.

Not my pix below, but basically the same.

eggcrate_trim.JPG




Sent from my iPhone!
 
I use glass lids on my tank and I have noticed after a week or so.. they tend to get salt build ups on them and the light usually gets blocked. I have a RBTA that requires strong light and when a dirty glass lid blocks the light the anemones show the signs of stress. However, I have noitced when the lids are off for cleaning my corals and anemones tend to be very happy with the stronger wavelengths. Just my thoughts.
 

radiata

NJRC Member
I recently added glass lids to my 180 because the manufacturer of my LEDs implied there would be warranty issues if I didn't use them.
 
BRS just talked about a screen lid in there how to setup a salt water aquarium series. Sounds like a great idea.
 

magic

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
BRS, buy the screening but not the rail sections. They only come in 24" and there is no way to connect 2 to make it 48" long. Go to Home Depot or Lowe's and get a 6' section for the same price as the 24". Works great.

Bob
 

magic

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
I work at a window factory I can get everything here except the clear screening
That would be the only thing I would buy in the future. The screening is great as far as light penetration goes. I see your from S. River, I grew up in Sayreville.

Bob
 
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