Glass Top

[Tango374]

Right now on my 55Gal I have plastic lids with one striplight. Sometime today I should be receiving another striplight from Big Als. I didn't have enough cash to order glass lids. My question is are these lids really needed? For over 4 years I had a 65 gal tank with my striplights running over open water...never had any problems. Just had to keep them clean. Is that the only reason they are there is to keep the lights clean? If so, I'm sure there is something I can construct out of my kitchen to simulate. Running lights over open water I've heard is not something I should do but as I said before I never had any problems so I need some info from you guys.
Is it a saftey issue for the fish jumping out or the lights falling in?
Do they help with keeping the lights clean?
Did I just answer my own question?

 

[rottbo]

fish jumping out and it helps to make less water evaporate which is nice i prefer glass tops because of their strength and ease of cleaning i would say get a glass top if anything call your local glass shop and just get two pieces of glass to fit your tank
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also some light are not made to be put above open water

 

[dr_sudz]

saves on water evaporation and some lights you just dont want to get wet. And your fish wont commit suicide with the lid, least not by jumping out.

 

[guppy]

A friend lost some fish when an excited bala broke a pair of light tubes. glass or acrylic lid strips prevent that

 

[flipz]

I have one tank with the light strip over open water, and have had it that way for over a year without a problem. But I DEFINIETLY notice a difference in how much water that tank loses.

As long as you aren't worried about evaporation, and don't have any fish that would jump out, you should be fine.

 

[Booger]

Evap on large tanks can cause the humidity to rise dramatically. I'm talking mold and all sorts of other nastiness. Glass tops keep the fish, heat, and humidity in the tank. Your lights will also last much longer.

 

[slammer]

Get them cut at a glass shop. I had 2 pieces cut for a 55 for $12.

 

[DiXoN]

i would use something to cover it still

 

[Chad55]

I have had my whole lights fall in the water more than once. They actually stay on under the water. Not something I recommend doing but that just means I wouldn't be too worried about anybody getting electricuted but it does affect the evaporation.

Chad

 

[lousybreed]

get some glass cut, it shoud be real cheap.