New Idea on weighting lids

[meiling]

As we all know, weighting down the tops so our Aro's don't bail at 3 am is an evil necessity. I have discovered that covering the entire top (don't block necesary air vents) I use heavy large towels, long enough and folded three times, then a throw rug (all very clean)to cover the entire top as one piece. I still put some weight on the very top, but it seems like they can't bump one end and transfer weight long enough to jump out.

When my last one jumped out during the night, the lids and 6 bricks were all still in place. It also keeps the heat in and keeps my temp. stable. Just an idea, but it's working grreat for me, so I thought I'd share.

Mine has smacked into the top since I changed to this method and he expected it to give a little more, when he does jump, the lid doesn't even budge. Hah! I felt bad the first night because he gashed his head, but he has stopped doing it now.

An xray apron type tank cover might be a new invention for tank coverings!

 

[T1KARMANN]

just put some plastic bottles of water inside the hood on the condensation trays

job done

 

[meiling]

Good idea, but I don't have the same kinda hood as you I guess cause the lights sit right on top of the tops. My Aro knocked the top in one day and a 24" section of light (plugged in) fried, lucky the Aro didn't fry. Aro's make good candidates for the Darwin Awards.

 

[rallysman]

I've been using chains lol.

 

[Boydo]

I use barbell weights, I have 8 x 10 pound weights on my 550. They are small plus you can stack the lights on top on them for better light coverage and less temp transfer.

 

[meiling]

hmmmm shackles and chains.......this has potential!

 

[Miguel]

stones, for me...

 

[T1KARMANN]

just keep the water level as high as possable then the aro jumping is noy
much of a problem

my condensation trays are about 1-2inches away from the water level and i have never had problems with aros jumping

 

[hillbilly]

My aro tank was built by Glasscages, so it has extensive glass bracing around the top, and through the middle in two places that provide places for the 3 tops to rest. This helps keep the fish inside. If he jumps, he'll likely run into 1/2" glass. The water level is always to the very top because of the built-in overflows. My light fixture is 72" long, and made of oak, heavy, so that helps keep the tops in place as well. Just to be safe, I made 2 "bars" of oak that can be placed across the front of the tops to prevent knocking one of them open, not likely but you never know for sure. If all this fails and the fish still jumps out, well, RIP little buddy! I'll miss you.

 

[meiling]

just keep the water level as high as possable then the aro jumping is noy
much of a problem

my condensation trays are about 1-2inches away from the water level and i have never had problems with aros jumping[/quote

I've tried that, but he breaks the surface and rolls and boils while eating, if I keep the water level high, he beats his top up hitting the inside of the top.

So, I dropped the level. But good idea, I'm going to custom pad my lids somehow on the inside.