Lid on a small tank?

[.Boris]

I keep getting contradicting information. On one hand I read that I should (can?) not have a lid on a 12g

tank, due to risk of overheating. On the other hand many suitable fish seem to be prone to jumping and require a "tight fitting lid".

Do you use a lid or screen on your small tanks?

[Snow_Phoenix]

Yes. I think almost everyone on this site has had a fish jump on them, with and without a lid on their tanks. Still better to have a lid though, to minimize the risk.

[Clown79]

Use a screen or eggcrate to prevrnt jumpers. It won't effect gas exchange or allow overheating.

 

With closed lids you can run into heating issues(especially small tanks) and gas exchange issues

[asting]

Overheating depends entirely on your ambient temp, equipment, lighting, etc.
No one can say that it definitely will cause issues. Plenty of AIOs are sold with lids/hoods built in.

 

Just added a lid to my 20L tonight though for a yasha goby.

 

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/377287-astings-20l-peninsula/?p=5414919

[squamptonbc]

I use a screen top, I've had many fish jump on me over the years, and the screen also keeps in snails who have no issue with climbing out of tanks, especially the rimless variety.

 

Some use acrylic lids/glass lids and full hoods, really depends on what you like and want.

[Clown79]

Gas exchange is better without a lid. Thats why there are so many aquariums that come without them and only a mesh lid.

Its also the reason why so many remove the lids as well.

[DrJared]

Agree with Clown.. Gas exchange is improved. When in doubt of fish jumping, use mesh lid. Best of luck!

[.Boris]

Thanks all!
Screen it is.

[lkoechle]

Thanks all!

Screen it is.

 

You can get mesh from BRS http://aquarium.bulkreefsupply.com/search?view=grid&w=screen

 

And either order everything from there to make it or get it from a hardware store like Lowes.

[.Boris]

Thanks!
I'm just on the wrong continent.

[Clown79]

Where are you located?

 

You can go to any hardware store and buy window framing and then buy bird netting. theres tons of Diy on youtube.

[HarryPotter]

Mesh lid is major key

[.Boris]

Where are you located?

 

You can go to any hardware store and buy window framing and then buy bird netting. theres tons of Diy on youtube.

 

Sweden. Profile updated!

[msparklym13]

Keeping a lid. Most don't like it but I just purchased the LED hood for BC29. For me a lid is huge because I have dogs and toddlers. I have read so much about not having a lid and at some point I will do it but for now I keep a lid and have had success.

[SubMariner0805]

Hey there, I just went through a similar debate with myself after my clown committed suicide. I disliked the look of lids (even the screen lids) but I wanted to ensure the safety of my animals. So I ultimately went with this: http://rimlessaquariumlids.com/

 

I had them cut to specifications and they just slide over the glass panels creating a slight lip around the tank. I like it so far and I don't think it detracts from the rimless look. So far no jumping with my new clown and it has significantly reduced the frequency in which my Nerites leave.