Aquarium cover/lid.

I have a 46g bowfront and an all glass lid that covers the whole top, minus the overflow and return. Is this OK or is this going to affect the quality in the tank?

 

star wolf us

what it might do is prevent CO2 escaping and thus you may have problems with PH levels in your tank -

what it also might do if not cleaned regular is get dirty and block out some of your much needed lighting

none of these things are definite "will happen" but both of them can happen

Steve

 

+1 agreed.

 

OK. I bought the lid thinking that it was something that I ABSOLUTELY needed at the time. But after looking at a lot of the tank pictures here, I see that a lot of people don't even use lids.

 

Yup!!! I would never cover a tank. Luna

 

Closed, half closed, 3/4 closed (like you have) or completely closed have been an on going debate forever. Since you have an over flow the co2 issue is null. A benefit of your 3/4 closed top is it eliminates contaminants getting in. In systems 90 gal. and larger, contaminants may readily be taken care of but in smaller systems like yours a 3/4 closed top is more suited.

 

Might want to put egg-crate on top though to prevent any fish escape acts.

 

Surface agitation, aeration and evaporation are your friends and a lid hinders this. Not to mention blocking light.

 

AZDesertRat, why evaporation?

 

evaporation helps regulate higher temperatures, not an issue in areas of more moderate climate.