Open Top Aquarium?

[Bluesandtwo]

I was just wondering what people's experiences were with open top aquariums? I'm about to set one up but have thoughts around evaporation, dust/film collecting on the surface etc.

It will still have a hood surround but no glass sliders etc.

Thoughts, experiences? Anyone encountered any problems or have tips?

 

[kno4te]

As long as ur fish don’t jump out it’ll be fine. There’s some evaporation but ur weekly water change shouldn’t make too noticeable.

 

[tiger15]

Go to planted tank forums and you will find many examples. The standard setups for nature aquarium are rimless open top tank so there is no visual transition from water to air, and glass top inhibition of light penetrating the water. But aquascapers whose focus is aquatic gardening keep only small peaceful fish that don’t fight and jump.

 

[esoxlucius]

Personally for me jumpers would be a worry, and the fact that my cat likes to jump on the top of my tank and chill up there would also be a concern. i also have a young lad in the house who fires nerf bullets all over the place, most of which would probably end up in my tank! Cleaning sprays/chemicals would be a major concern too.

 

[deeda]

The OP will have a hood surround in case anyone missed it.

What type of light fixture will you be using? Some mfg. will not honor the warranty due to water splashing on the fixture.

 

[duanes]

I have an open top aquarium at the moment, it is outside on the patio, and because its the riany season, tannins drop in from surrounding foliage enough so, that the tank water is brown, and I can't see even half way thru. It will clear up eventually (just as it did last year).
Insects occasionally fall in, and are extra food, leaf litter falls in adding to the tannin load, and feral cats drink out of the tank,
I also have a lot of terrestrial vegetation growing from the waters surface to soak up nitrate.
Over the last year I have had 3 cichlids do suicidal jumps, and found them dried up on the lawn.
So as long as you expect this (as I do) well .............

 

[Bluesandtwo]

I'm happy the chance of successful jumpers will be slim, based on the tall hood surround. I don't think I'll brim the tank either as I have some nice branches breaking the surface that I want to show off.

Regarding are debris, namely dust particles, funding their way onto the surface.. would a small skimmer do the job or do you think it's unnecessary?

Thanks for putting my mind at ease regarding evaporation. I'll certainly be ontop on water changes.

 

[Bluesandtwo]

The OP will have a hood surround in case anyone missed it.

What type of light fixture will you be using? Some mfg. will not honor the warranty due to water splashing on the fixture.

It's a cheap clip on the side overhanging LED, so I'm not fussed on warranty. But I don't think splashes will be an issue.. hopefully!