Covering the Tank

[Allyson]

My tank is not covered & doesn't have a hood. My PCs are sitting on the edges. Should I worry about dust, etc. contaminating the tank? I do have a glass cover I could put back on.

[hooked]

I would put your glass canopy back on. Not sure if your pc's have water proof ends but this will help with some evaporation. Also may keep a fish, snail, etc from exiting the tank

[MontanaRocknReefer]

I agree with Jim! We have alot of dust accumulate in our home! Once I built the new canopy the glass top will come off! Johnny

[GSM]

Evaporation is actually good for things like temperature control & oxygen levels (gas exchange)...

I know quite a few people that run their tanks topless without problems. Plus you don't have to constantly scrape salt creep off a glass top.

[Doug1]

You can cover the tank with "eggcrate" lighting diffuser grid cut to fit and mount the PC lites on something you can hang above the tank

[hooked]

I do agree with GSM on the gas exchange. As for salt creep I usually only have to scrape my tank about once every 2 months. I need to have my top covered. I have a dog that sheds very bad and I don't want to hair in the tank. As for the temperature I have no idea, I just run a 96w smartlamp and that doesn't get that HOT.

HTH,

[tdwyatt]

Originally posted by Allyson
My tank is not covered & doesn't have a hood. My PCs are sitting on the edges. Should I worry about dust, etc. contaminating the tank? I do have a glass cover I could put back on.

My display tank (180) has more than 50% open to the room, and the prop systems are all open to the room. The only time I cover the tank is when I have dinner guests or a wine tasting (..."Well, the fish looked thirsty, so I gave them a sip of this excellent Chardonnay"... ) Last time I checked, the ocean didn't have a cover, and closed systems need the O2 exchange and evaporation... I would be more concerned about the use of hairspray, household chemicals and perfumes/colognes than the dust and dander that settles in your house.

[Allyson]

Thanks guys. Actually, only about 50% of it is open when you consider the PCs & I did keep 1/2 of the glass cover (split it at the seam) 1/2 way under the lites covering the backside. It sure does make it easier for maintenance, feeding, etc.

Just have to scoop out the occaisional mosquito hawk.

[Pirate]

My tank has never been covered, I too questioned this at one time. However through conversation and some printed information I believe that glass = loss of light. In some cases up to 60% when you consider the amount that you lose through the glass and then add the amount reflected away by the glass. If you have no jumpers in your tank, I'd leave it uncovered.