tank lids

[wkjames]

What are people's thoughts on lids/covers on tanks?
To try and reduce some evaporation I'd like to use covers on my tank. I have heard discussions about limiting gas exchange. I have sumps with decent surface area that should allow for that exchange. Another reason I want covers is I'm also wanting to do what I can to keep my light reflectors clean.

I'm considering looking for starphire (http://www.ppgstarphire.com)for the lids. It seems to me that one of the guys at the last speaker event mentioned doing this to help reduce the light loss from regular green glass and to protect his reflectors. I've been warned against using acrylic due to sagging and warping. BTW, anyone have a good source for starphire glass locally?

I guess I just need to tap into the wealth of knowledge and experience of the group.

[Boker420]

The main reason I have my tank open is to allow evaporation for cooling. I would need a chiller otherwise. But I would think starfire tops would be your best bet. I might look into the clear plastic mesh tops that people are making from reef central.

[wkjames]

I'm using all T5HO for my lighting, so I hope that won't be an issue. Good thought though...

[David Grigor]

It's good to research it, but I'd use the wait and see approach to be sure you really have an issue.

My tank becuase the t5s run so much cooler, I don't evarate all the much especially compared to MH days. So evaporation may never be an issue.

Mine are just under 4" from the water level. As long as you don't have any major aggitation going on at the water surface, splashing shouldn't really be an issue.

[MNGold15]

I use egg crate on my 90 just for a simple way to keep my wrasse in. But I do not think I would use that for a long period of time. It works well because it still allows gas exchange, but it does block some of the light.

[morty]

You might find with covers that you would need to clean them more often than the reflectors... If you go with some kind of cover (esp glass) I'd try to get a feel for how easy it would be to periodically remove them, particularly if they're inside some kind of hood :) Maybe glue some handles onto the glass if you ever decide to try it. Personally I like the open top approach.

FYI - I got the starphire replacement front piece for my tank at Brin NW glass in Mpls. Starphire is not exactly cheap stuff.

[aka_BigRed]

What size tank do you have? I've got a pair of hinged glass lids that fit an oceanic 75/90g with center brace. If you want them I'd sell them pretty cheap.