Open Top Aquariums

djlen

djlen

Fish?.......What Fish?
Aug 19, 2002
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Somerdale, New Jersey USA
I'm considering hanging my shop light, or lights, if I buy another one, from the ceiling and going with an open top. I've never considered this before for two reasons. Fish jumping out of the tank, and evaporation. I think, however, that by going that way, I can add an extra set of tubes over the tank, and have easier access. Also, it might be nice to see if I can get some of the plants to flower. The evaporation issue is not a biggie, since I change water every week and add it back, but how do you keep the fish in the tank when going with an open top? And how much would I lose, lighting wise by just hanging the lights and leaving the glass top on?
Len
 
I think it depends on what sort of fish you have. I keep the top off my 55 gallon during the day but need to put it back on at night during the winter to conserve heat since the house is quite a bit cooler than I keep the aquarium. (It was working the heaters too much at night) I've never had a fish jump out. I think I read that angelfish might jump if startled but it's fairly calm round here.
 
Thanks for asking this, djlen. May I add another question or two? How far above the tank do you hang the lights? Also, how does that affect cleaning? I would be bumping into them, do you have a pully system or something to raise them?
 
I have them about six inches above but I also have a bungee cord up behind the aquarium I can pull across and hold them entirely out of the way if I like. I haven't had to use that often though.
 
Thanks, Tempest.

Originally posted by djlen
And how much would I lose, lighting wise by just hanging the lights and leaving the glass top on?
Len
Click to expand...

Would like to know this also; I already have that thin glass under the bulbs in my canopy - it doesn't stay totally clear for very long. Could you use that grating stuff, cut to fit? Disadvantage to that would be that it's white - comes in pretty metallic colours too but I would assume that wouldn't be good in damper conditions.
 
I think I dealt with the reflector problem fairly well by lining the inside with aluminum foil(shiny side facing out). It made a big difference in the brightness.
As to the angelfish jumping.....mine break the surface every time I feed them. They're like little pigs. And my corys reach speeds of 80mph(I've timed them with radar) from a dead stop at the bottom, to the surface. I worry about what would happen with no glasss top for them to crash into. What do you think?
Len
 
i have a 20g open top and i lose around 1cm of water level per day. that's a lot. it might be attributed to the cold weather here, but just make sure to refill the water before it gets uncomfortably low. personally, i don't mind doing it.

http://www.jaudesign.com/aquaria/20g.htm

oh by the way, i keep a pair of angels as well. i haven't seen them jump yet. same goes to the glowlights and the pair of ottos. as for the ghost shrimps, i don't think they would jump either. :)
 
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On open tops...

The only way I'd go with "open - tops" is with METAL Halides....

Those lights are expensive, but what a 'good look'! There is heat build-up with them.. So, it's good to have an 'open top' on the aquarium.

.....Now.... if I could only afford Metal Halides.... :(

..WoW....
 
There really is nothing like finding a dead fish behind your tank that is completely dried up. First thing you think is "I wonder how long ago he died?"

It may be the perfect way to get rid of that pesky girlfriend :D
 
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