300 Gallon Open Top Tank???

[Monteferro]

I have just taken delivery on a custom 300 gallon tank. I am now in the process of finishing the floor bracing (from underneath) and a few other finaltouches before it will be ready to be up and running.

Talking to the builder about lids/covers and he is suggesting leaving it completely open top (except for the braces) or at the most covering it only with egg crate in order to better aid in water aeration?

Most tanks I have had in the past have had the standard black rim with glass hinged lids...

Anyone have any thoughts on this...

I know for sure that I have to cover the tank with something because some of the fish I currently keep in my 150 gallon are jumpers...

Also, I am concerned about to much water evaporating and making the room damp...

Anyone have any advice or thoughts on this?

 

[CichlidAddict]

Definitely cover it. You'll have a ton of water evaporation if you don't.
It will get plenty of O2 with standard glass tops.

 

[spiff]

Yeah, I would think any air pumps will be constantly replacing the thin layer of air you do have ....

 

[Chaitika]

As mnetioned above, cover it completely. Use either an air pump and diffuser to oxygenate or even better a wet/dry filter.

 

[haynchinook334]

cover keeps the heat in the tank.

 

[brcacti]

cover keeps the fish in, heat in, water in, less evaporation.

 

[brianp]

I prop each lid open approx. one inch. This appears to provide sufficient ventilation.

 

[tunerX]

I keep the top as sealed as I can get it. All of my aeration happens in the sump.

 

[koop171]

U need moe then an egg crate. deffinitly get tops for it. to many fish jump to have only egg crate

 

[Big Daves Rays]

I agree definitely closed top. aeration happens in the sump, air stones and pointing your returns towards the water surface to break it up and aerate the water that way.