Why aren't most aquariums sold with lids?

[Kongo]

I find it quite frustrating that, with the exception of very small nano tanks, lids seem to be completely absent. I looked at the Red Sea Reefer 170, and it's a completely open system. Everyone, including those who design products for Red Sea, knows that fish and shrimp can, and very likely will at some point, jump. Given the prices of fish and even shrimp today, it's not something I want to risk. It's baffling that I have to pay a premium for an aquarium package, only to then have to spend even more on a customised lid. Whether it’s from specialists who can quickly charge over $100 (though they do look very good, I must admit), or from some uninspired offerings from the manufacturers, it's simply unacceptable. Yes, I know I can make one myself, but it shouldn't be necessary.

 

[Jimbo327]

Because they can't account for your type of lighting, wires, mounts. So it is best to not include it. (i.e. some people have mounts on the side, others have mounts on the back, while some don't have mounts at all)

 

[VintageReefer]

I find it quite frustrating that, with the exception of very small nano tanks, lids seem to be completely absent. I looked at the Red Sea Reefer 170, and it's a completely open system. Everyone, including those who design products for Red Sea, knows that fish and shrimp can, and very likely will at some point, jump. Given the prices of fish and even shrimp today, it's not something I want to risk. It's baffling that I have to pay a premium for an aquarium package, only to then have to spend even more on a customised lid. Whether it’s from specialists who can quickly charge over $100 (though they do look very good, I must admit), or from some uninspired offerings from the manufacturers, it's simply unacceptable. Yes, I know I can make one myself, but it shouldn't be necessary.

Their excuse is they don’t know what accessories, tubes or wires you’ll have coming out but there’s no reason a modular system can’t be designed

I recommend Walter lids. Great quality, laser cut polycarbonate lids. I got a custom set for my 75g for $120

Message him for a custom lid not on the website. Give him the measurements and what cutouts you need and he will send you a rendering. I’ve bought several they have all come out perfect

 

[Kongo]

Their excuse is they don’t know what accessories, tubes or wires you’ll have coming out but there’s no reason a modular system can’t be designed

I recommend Walter lids. Great quality, laser cut polycarbonate lids. I got a custom set for my 75g for $120

Message him for a custom lid not on the website. Give him the measurements and what cutouts you need and he will send you a rendering. I’ve bought several they have all come out perfect

Wow! That looks amazing. Thanks for the great suggestion, I’ll definitely check it out!

 

[VintageReefer]

I gave the locations for the feeding holes (caps not shown in photos), my plank feeder, and how many rows of ventilation holes I wanted. I have a frame mount light, and needed the hinge seam in a certain spot to not interfere with the light mount. Gave the overall measurements to fit in my frame. Everything came out perfect and was exactly what I asked for and requested. There’s no charge for customizations - he charges a flat rate based on overall size

 

[Jimbo327]

If they include it, they will simply pass the cost to you. So you will pay $100 more for the system with lid. They know a lot of reefers will not want a lid at all because they prefer to have it made to fit their mounts/lights/wires/feeding ports/etc.

 

[VintageReefer]

If they include it, they will simply pass the cost to you. So you will pay $100 more for the system with lid. They know a lot of reefers will not want a lid at all because they prefer to have it made to fit their mounts/lights/wires/feeding ports/etc.

It’s bs because 20 years versa tops were sold (still are) and their solution? The back 2” is a plastic strip and you just cut out notches / portions to accommodate your gear.

Something basic and universal could be included at least for the prices they charge for these setups

 

[elysics]

Something basic and universal could be included at least for the prices they charge for these setups

That's not how it works. And many people would actually be turned off by that, disgusted by an overly cheap looking lid and buying elsewhere

 

[VintageReefer]

That's not how it works. And many people would actually be turned off by that, disgusted by an overly cheap looking lid and buying elsewhere

not how what works ?

Who said cheap or ugly? If they don’t like it and want “custom” or flashy they can still buy 3’d party

Something basic like this can be included on framed tanks

And for rimless something Iike this

Walter lids sells that for 50$ and he’s a individual with a side business. A company like Waterbox or IM could crank these out for less.

Don’t make excuses for the big companies. When you spend 1500+ on a tank setup for fish, a lid of some kind is almost a required item for many people to prevent fish from dying due to jumping. It’s would be a small cost for a vendor to include a lid, and then you have the option to use it or not. And for most people a lid like the ones above would be welcomed and used if it came in the bundle.

 

[elysics]

not how what works ?

Who said cheap or ugly? If they don’t like it and want “custom” or flashy they can still buy 3’d party

Something basic like this can be included on framed tanks

And for rimless something Iike this

Walter lids sells that for 50$ and he’s a individual with a side business. A company like Waterbox or IM could crank these out for less.

Don’t make excuses for the big companies. When you spend 1500+ on a tank setup for fish, a lid of some kind is almost a required item for many people to prevent fish from dying due to jumping. It’s would be a small cost for a vendor to include a lid, and then you have the option to use it or not. And for most people a lid like the ones above would be welcomed and used if it came in the bundle.

Not how it works because "for the price they charge" you get what you get, people are willing to pay that. To include more, that would either need to make more people willing to pay, or increase the price.

Red Sea is a bit style over substance, if the include something "basic" in the main viewing angle then they have neither. They make their sales on style. So if they include something it's needs to be stylish, or they will actually lose customers in the showroom.

 

[BiggestE22]

Mesh lids are better. Kraken Reef

 

[BiggestE22]

not how what works ?

Who said cheap or ugly? If they don’t like it and want “custom” or flashy they can still buy 3’d party

Something basic like this can be included on framed tanks

And for rimless something Iike this

Walter lids sells that for 50$ and he’s a individual with a side business. A company like Waterbox or IM could crank these out for less.

Don’t make excuses for the big companies. When you spend 1500+ on a tank setup for fish, a lid of some kind is almost a required item for many people to prevent fish from dying due to jumping. It’s would be a small cost for a vendor to include a lid, and then you have the option to use it or not. And for most people a lid like the ones above would be welcomed and used if it came in the bundle.

Buy Tangs. They won’t likely jump. If you want gobies and wrasses. Get a top.

 

[VintageReefer]

Not how it works because "for the price they charge" you get what you get, people are willing to pay that. To include more, that would either need to make more people willing to pay, or increase the price.

Red Sea is a bit style over substance, if the include something "basic" in the main viewing angle then they have neither. They make their sales on style. So if they include something it's needs to be stylish, or they will actually lose customers in the showroom.

I respect your opinion, and think you have a valid point, but I think they could come up with something visually appealing for minimum price increase. If they bundled in an upgraded fleece roller or skimmer, and had a slight price increase, people would still buy it happily. People will pay more if they get more. Stylish, functional, with a small price increase is justified.

 

[VintageReefer]

Mesh lids are better. Kraken Reef

Completely debatable, but this isn’t the thread for it.

 

[VintageReefer]

Buy Tangs. They won’t likely jump. If you want gobies and wrasses. Get a top.

Now this is just silly. Many of the tanks they sell can’t hold tangs, and many people who buy large enough tanks aren’t going to keep just tangs. The tank bundle should accommodate all common species of fish consumers are most likely to get. Many people get gobies and wrasses and any fish has the risk of jumping. These are sold as all in one bundles, starter kits, and they leave out an essential item for fish safety. Bundle it in for a small price increase, or make it an optional part

 

[Bruttall]

I bought 2 of these kits and made my own mesh lids.

https://tinyurl.com/mwjwv7rr

 

[Tahiti]

I've had several Innovative Marine tanks and they all came with a lid.

 

[Kongo]

Their excuse is they don’t know what accessories, tubes or wires you’ll have coming out but there’s no reason a modular system can’t be designed

I recommend Walter lids. Great quality, laser cut polycarbonate lids. I got a custom set for my 75g for $120

Message him for a custom lid not on the website. Give him the measurements and what cutouts you need and he will send you a rendering. I’ve bought several they have all come out perfect

Thanks! I've just sent Walter Lids an inquiry about customising a lid for me. Looking forward to hearing from them.

 

[GatorGreg]

I’m pretty sure innovative marine tanks all come with mesh lids. My 80g did


I see someone already mentioned that though lol sorry

 

[Kongo]

I've had several Innovative Marine tanks and they all came with a lid.

Nice! I had a look at their website. Those are some beautiful tanks. For my next upgrade, I might go with them instead of Red Sea.