versa-top or no vera-top youe decide

[rookie reefer]

Do you think it is better to run open tank or use a versa-top ?

[Loverotties]

I have egg crate over mine!

[rookie reefer]

i'm thinking bout going to go with versa maybe... once i get this http://www.marineandreef.com/Satelli...p/rcu01012.htm
OR
http://www.aquacave.com/20-2x40w-orb...t-usa-885.html
What do you guys think of these two lighting system for a 10 gallon

[scoop]

It really depends on the type of tank and lighting. Also, what are you putting in the tank? (Any potential jumpers?) My 5 gl has the versa top on and the lights sitting right over it. On my 75 I run it open.

[scoop]

I have a Nova Extreme 2 x 20 T5 on my 5 gl. Did you check out the T5 options? They're great lights.

[rookie reefer]

i couldn't find the website or what ever it is. Oh i found some but they were 24" and up

[rookie reefer]

well my clown likes to jump when i feed him.

[rookie reefer]

i plan on putting lps sps softies.. i.e. mushrooms, frog spawn, hammer coral, xenia, branching montipora, and some leathers. Thats my whole coral wish list.

[Herrin811]

I HAD that top on my tank, that is until it shattered and dropped shards of glass in the water. It was untempered glass and the heat from my 250w MH just popped it.....Spontaneous shatter I think they called it.....


I've since learned that tempered glass is safe from shock fractures to 475 and maintains integrity up to 600'......

[rookie reefer]

oh did you loose any inhabitants.

[mg]

I would have an open top or egg crate or screen material if you have jumpers. Any glass top like the versa tops are going to lower gas exchange and also reduce evaporation. In most cases the evaporation is a problem not a plus as most of us cool our tanks through evaporative cooling. This also allows people wo dose kalk to dose more volume.

So basically with the glass tops you reduce gas exchange, and keep heat in; however you reduce evaporation (good or bad up to you), and keep fish in.

If I had the choice, I would have a canopy to keep fish in and hide the lighting. Then there is no reduction of light by using glass tops or eggcrate either.

[rookie reefer]

but with a high lighting system such as the one i am getting in the warning box it says that if put under a canopy it could start a fire

[rookie reefer]

right now i have a plastic cover lke a stock hood.

[jfurg75]

I use cooling fans with my MH lights under a canopy!! have not had any problems

[rookie reefer]

oh well if it works.