Open top vs.closed top?

[Grossy]

I have a 34 gallon Solan and I was thinking abot taking the glass cover off the top and going open. The reason I wa thinking about going open was that I was thinking that it would provide more lighting...or making the lighting more effective.

 

What are your thoughts and the are there other benefits or detriments of not having any covering?

 

 

I have no fish that I worry about jumping out.

[qwiksilver711]

I have a 34 gallon Solan and I was thinking abot taking the glass cover off the top and going open. The reason I wa thinking about going open was that I was thinking that it would provide more lighting...or making the lighting more effective.

 

What are your thoughts and the are there other benefits or detriments of not having any covering?

 

 

I have no fish that I worry about jumping out.

probably would get better light penetration, after all, it is hard to keep glass perfectly clean. you would see more evap though

[debbeach13]

I agree you will have more evaporation, the tank temp will drop alittle, but you will get more light.

Any fish can jump out but some are know as jumpers

I have to go topless in the summer to keep the tank cool but use a top in the winter to keep it warm

It is a 40 B and with out the top a 1/2 gallon or more per day evaporation right now with the top about a cup a day.

[OClownsandNanos]

It's true you'd have more evaporation, but an additional benefit would be better gas exchange also. I made a screen top for my 40BR (there are how-tos on this site) and I'm sure that's something you could do should you ever want to house known "jumpers." Most would advocate an open/screen top over a closed top from what I've read because the benefits (improved lighting and gas exchange, less heat) outweigh the drawbacks.

[dixiedog]

I have a 34 gallon Solan and I was thinking abot taking the glass cover off the top and going open. The reason I wa thinking about going open was that I was thinking that it would provide more lighting...or making the lighting more effective.

 

What are your thoughts and the are there other benefits or detriments of not having any covering?

 

 

I have no fish that I worry about jumping out.

 

Then by all means take it off.

[Grossy]

It's true you'd have more evaporation, but an additional benefit would be better gas exchange also. I made a screen top for my 40BR (there are how-tos on this site) and I'm sure that's something you could do should you ever want to house known "jumpers." Most would advocate an open/screen top over a closed top from what I've read because the benefits (improved lighting and gas exchange, less heat) outweigh the drawbacks.

Thanks