To cover or not to cover?

[Lenny718]

I have a 150g long tank and I'm currently using versa tops to cover the tank. I herd mix reactions about using covers on a reef tank so I wanted to get some opinions on this subject. I mainly use them to keep fish in the tank and to cut down on evaporation. Thank you in advance for the help.

 

[Deanos]

Keeping fish in the tank is a good thing. There are better ways to accomplish that without using a glass cover though.

 

[Lenny718]

Thanks Deanos, I will look into other options. So should I go topless? :pimp:

 

[dacaptain78]

Hi Lenny,
I swapped out my versa tops for eggcrate and can not be happier. Just not having to clean those glass tops was worth the switch. Also, you wont have to worry about any fish winding up on the floor.

 

[Lenny718]

Hi Lenny,
I swapped out my versa tops for eggcrate and can not be happier. Just not having to clean those glass tops was worth the switch. Also, you wont have to worry about any fish winding up on the floor.

Thanks, I was thinking of using eggcrate.It sounds like a great idea and like you said you don't have to clean the glass all of the time.

 

[qy7400]

I'd loose the glass for either the eggcrate or a cover similar to the one KathyC built. The greatest benefit with out the glass is temps, they will drop a little BUT evap will go up so it should be something to keep an eye on after the switch. Don't go without something as one of your fish will eventually go carpet surfing without.

 

[Lenny718]

Thanks Joe

 

[ZANYMASTER]

True,having the top off is better for the temps but the top off is a killer so get a quality top off.Gave my versa tops away.

 

[Bob 1000]

I don't have a top, and I own 3 thought to be jumpers... (Mystery, Laboutti, Clown) Starting to think that water quality makes them jumpers...lol

 

[REEF MANIA]

My custom mesh covers made by Kathy C they work great.

 

[Lenny718]

Thanks for the info everyone, I'm now topless lol

 

[nemo]

What's the material used in the mesh cover?

 

[mray]

I'm wondering the samething. That's a nice mesh cover.

 

[REEF MANIA]

Thanks, I believe fish pond netting. You can check kathy's thread in the DIY forum.

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/diy-do-yourself/22953-acrylic-mesh-tank-cover.html