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	Are glass lids necessary?
jsparkman Hobbyist Posts: 129 Kudos: 101 Votes: 0 Registered: 14-Sep-2003	I'm tired of trying to keep build up from forming on the glass lids of my tank. it's got a hood that is open across the back and 5 PC fixtures in it and a cooling fan in one end. would the evaporation be harmful to the fixtures? I know I'll loose additional water to evaporation. James
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003	If your going to rest the hood right on the edges of the tank than a glass lid is a must. Not only to protect the lights from condensation, but what if it falls into the tank. If your going to hang the light from something above the tank maybe 8 or more inches, than I would say it's not necessary unless you got jumpers. My Scapes
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40
jasonpisani Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 5553 Kudos: 7215 Votes: 1024 Registered: 24-Feb-2003	I would always cover the tank, due to water evaporation & jumping fish. http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/s8xi5heh/my_photos http://www.geocities.com/s8xi5heh/classic_blue.html http://groups.yahoo.com/group/buzaqq/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/corydoras/ Member of the Malta Aquarist Society - 1970. http://www.maltaaquarist.com
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40
jsparkman Hobbyist Posts: 129 Kudos: 101 Votes: 0 Registered: 14-Sep-2003	there's a couple of pics of the hood in this album: http://community.webshots.com/album/124082034sTcJcf James
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002	Hi, The build up of the minerals from the evaporating water comes with the tank and hood, there really is no way to beat it. The good with the bad type of thing. As far as running it as you show in your pictures is concerned, Yes.. the evaporating water will condense on the wiring and eventually ruin the connections and fixtures. The glass that you are complaining about is actually protecting the wiring. Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40
keithgh Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 6371 Kudos: 6918 Votes: 1542 Registered: 26-Apr-2003	In one word yes. The reasons are evaporation, salt build up near electrical connectors, jumping fish, it also keeps out dirt and dust. I have only ever used the thicker 4-5 mil glass it is a lot safer and easer to handle. [link=Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tanks]http://photobucket.com/albums/b209/keithgh/Betta%20desktop%20tank/" style="COLOR: #00FF00[/link] Keith Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do. I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT? VOTE NOW VOTE NOW
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40
jsparkman Hobbyist Posts: 129 Kudos: 101 Votes: 0 Registered: 14-Sep-2003	ok, ok, ok...y'all have convinced me! Luckily yesterday at one of the LFS's I found a 6' strip of plastic hinge. I think I can cut down the current sheets of glass and make a 3 piece lid that folds back. currently I have 2 sheets on each side and the front pieces slide back over the back pieces. Such a pain!!! anytime you get water between the two they stick together like they're glued. I'll post some pics of my attempt!!! James
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40
divertran Fish Addict Posts: 784 Kudos: 469 Votes: 165 Registered: 14-Nov-2004	A friend of mine just starting out in the hobbyleft his 55 gal tank wide open with no lights or lid at all. plenty of ambient light in the room, all was well... at least until his little daughter tossed a roll of toilet peper into the tank. Imagine the mess. Keep in mind a lid is not only to keep water/fish in, but also to keep unwanted things out. Huh, kids! I prefer dogs
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40
sham Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 3369 Kudos: 2782 Votes: 98 Registered: 21-Apr-2004	I have worse than a little kid. I have a boyfriend. Yesterday he decided the guinea pig wanted to look in the aquarium. The front is uncovered and guinea pig jumped in. Luckily he rescued her quickly and she's fine. Maybe now he'll listen to me when I tell him to keep the guinea pigs away from something.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40
longhairedgit Fish Guru Lord of the Beasts Posts: 2502 Kudos: 1778 Votes: 29 Registered: 21-Aug-2005	Doesnt the process of evaporation dump all the minerals and salts? Evaporated saltwater just becomes rainwater doesnt it? Perhaps its splashing from the aeration that your experiencing?
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40


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