Glass Lid or Open Canopy

bradlgt21

bradlgt21

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May 9, 2009
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Chicagoland, Illinois
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Brad
I have a 55 gallon tank with center brace, I plan on doing low tech with a coralife NO 48" fixture. Already have all the equipement I just need to finish my DIY canopy made out of oak. My problem is the center brace is very beefy and it's made the glass not fit. It's very close so I am thinking of going somewhere and having the glass cut or just sanding some of the plastic brace down. But then I figured maybe I should just keep the top open, let more light in without glass blocking it. So my question is how much light does the glass really block? And is it safe to build some type of stand for the light inside the canopy knowing what might happen if somehow my design fails and the light falls in. Another question is will amano shrimp or nerite snails climb out of a canopy and say go sit on the light or something and die, I am hoping since it's still covered all fish and inverts will be saved if they try to leave the water.
 
With a wood canopy, I highly recommend using glass lids.

In an open canopy, over time, the moisture will get into the wood and cause mold, deterioration, and warping. I don't know about amano shrimp or nerites, but my apple snails were found outside the tank fairly often before I began using a glass lid under my canopy.

If possible, it may be a good idea to mount the light to the top of the canopy, eliminating any worry of it falling in. The only downside being that it puts the light a little further away from the waterline.

I was able to take a couple of non-fitting lids to a glass shop and have them cut to fit for just a buck or two per cut.
 
Thanks for the response.
I have the same exact fixture only the 29 gallon version and it's sitting on a glass canopy. I was worried it was going to cost me the price of the glass itself to get them cut to size. That's why I was leaning towards suspending it over open water. But if it's cheap then it looks like that's the safer more economical route.
 
Oh yeah, any glass shop will make the cuts you need for $5 or less for the lot. Some might even do it free if it's a slow day, in hopes you give them some repeat business.
 
Glass blocks about 8% of the light. Dust, dirt, food bits, and mineral build up block a much higher percentage very quickly. Keep it clean.

Don't sand the plastic center support. The wider that support is - the thinner the glass the tank is made of.
 
Without a canopy, I'd go with an open top. If you're going with a canopy top, then the glass becomes most important. Have the glass cut to fit and you'll be set.
 
I am confused with this... I thought the canopy keeps the fish from jumping. If you don't have a canopy and you take off the glass then the fish jump. If you already have the canopy then I would think you wouldn't need the glass. Please explain.

And while you are at it can a moderator please explain the photo of the month sizing, there are 3 posts in there by members confused about the size the pictures need to be.
 
Nothing keeps fish from jumping, canopys just keep 3 sides of the tank covered enough that they smack a wall and fall back into the tank when they do jump. I've still had a fish make it's way out the open back of a tank that had a canopy on it. With a glass top, they barely get to make it past the waterline.

As I mentioned before though, the moisture & humidity damages the canopy. It warps the wood, making joints pull apart and seams open up. It can lead to mold that's harmful to everyone living under the same roof as the tank. The inside of a wooden canopy is a warm, damp area, contained in a porous natural material. Conditions which bacteria thrive on. Using a simple glass top under the canopy keeps a majority of the moisture contained, and as an added bonus, keeps water from evaporating as fast.
 
oo7genie said:
As I mentioned before though, the moisture & humidity damages the canopy. It warps the wood, making joints pull apart and seams open up. It can lead to mold that's harmful to everyone living under the same roof as the tank. The inside of a wooden canopy is a warm, damp area, contained in a porous natural material. Conditions which bacteria thrive on. Using a simple glass top under the canopy keeps a majority of the moisture contained, and as an added bonus, keeps water from evaporating as fast.
Click to expand...

I've seen a lot of SW enthusiasts use a fan to cool the temps in their canopies however would it be effective against a build up of humidity?
 
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