Lids?

[jmlesq]

Newbie question:

I have a 90g acrylic tank with the two holes in the top. The guy I hired to set it up (long since let go) told me to keep the lids on. However, from the weeks I've been reading here, I'm inferring that most everyone leaves their lids off for light purposes.

I have two x 175w 10k mh and 4 x 55w actinic pc.

Fish are (ID according to LFS): perc clown, yellow tang, sailfin tang, bicolor pseduo, 6 line wrasse, blue tang, foxface, and yellow-eyed tang (please don't comment on the fish, they're all fat and all get along ) Reef is mix of soft and SPS corals. Intend to add maxima and other clams and a lot more SPS.

My only concern is fish jumping out as the lights are 18" off the tank.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

John

 

[Anonymous]

Usually lids are left off for good gas exchange. I have no lids on either Saltwater tank. I use a lot of top-off water. Better that than the buildup of harmful gases.

 

[jmlesq]

Thank you. I'm going to give it a try.

John

 

[Anonymous]

I think your lights are way too far from the water if they are 18" above the tank.

 

[jmlesq]

Agreed. Yet another of the reasons I fired the guy who initially set up my tank. Definitely on the list of tank projects (right after the sea swirl install!).

Any suggestions on how high off the water? I'm thinking about 8" -- I've read that the MH can damage the acrylic.

John