Glass or mesh lid?

[FatClownfish]

I currently have a glass lid over my 10-gallon reef tank, and I'm noticing big water droplets on the lid and am wondering if it could be a problem. I currently don't have an ato but plan on getting one in the future.

What are the pros and cons of mesh vs glass lids?

 

[WestMI-Reefer]

Evaporation is a good thing, mesh!

 

[LordofCinder]

glass hinders the gas exchange, also those drops you see will dry up and leave spots that decreases the effectiveness of the light.

 

[fodsod]

Cons of a mesh top is more water will evaporate out of your tank ( you have a smaller tank with no ATO currently), tank water temp may be somewhat affected by room temperature if HVAC vents are blowing onto the tank. Mesh is better for lighting applications most of the time.

Glass can mess with lighting if you don't keep it clean, fish can get hurt by jumping into a hard surface like glass.

I'm sure others will be by shortly to give way more info.

 

[Shibaken3]

pro
mesh increase in ph, lower temp.
glass minimal evaporation.

con
mesh frequent top off.
glass traps heat.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I currently have a glass lid over my 10-gallon reef tank, and I'm noticing big water droplets on the lid and am wondering if it could be a problem. I currently don't have an ato but plan on getting one in the future.

What are the pros and cons of mesh vs glass lids?

Ive only run glass. Its all about containing salt overspray and splashing
Only downfall is the need to clean panels regularly or it will filter your lights.

The one tank I had with screening was the salt buildup, salt creep and faster evaporation. The disadvantage with the evaporation was salinity levels climbing occasionally with loss of water and lights getting salt on them

 

[FatClownfish]

Where does everyone recommend getting a mess lid? I have a JBJ 10-gallon, so if I were to get a mesh lid which one should I get?

 

[Tamberav]

Where does everyone recommend getting a mess lid? I have a JBJ 10-gallon, so if I were to get a mesh lid which one should I get?

You can make your own using bird netting and aluminum frame (used for window screens)

 

[Tamberav]

BRS sells just the netting or kits... it's a lot cheaper to use the hardware store frames though. It just depends if you want a one stop shop or not since BRS has the correct netting.

 

[FatClownfish]

BRS sells just the netting or kits... it's a lot cheaper to use the hardware store frames though. It just depends if you want a one stop shop or not since BRS has the correct netting.

Thanks for the info

 

[edd59]

Where does everyone recommend getting a mess lid? I have a JBJ 10-gallon, so if I were to get a mesh lid which one should I get?

im makes a nice DIY finished look mesh top

Aqua Gadget Safescreen DIY Mesh Lid Kit - Innovative Marine

If you’ve ever fallen victim to an escape artist or “jumper” in your aquarium, then you know the importance of a properly fitted lid. Unfortunately, glass lids can trap in heat and promote salt creep, which diminishes your light penetration over time. If you want to contain and protect your...

www.bulkreefsupply.com