Glass cover for tank - advantage/disadvantage

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by adicus, Jun 24, 2010.

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  1. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Rather, what kind of surface area do you have in your fuge/sump? Got a pic of the action in there?
    And to be captain "yes". A cover is no good for 2 main reasons, oxygen exchange and heat exchange. There's a chiller on the system, no need to worry there. There's an attached sump/fuge with surface area and potentially enough gas exchange going on there. If not, there are things that can be added(an airpump/airstone) to improve oxygen exchange. And quite possibly, enough to use the top(s). If all this is good, the lamest thing about using the top, condensation and salt build-up should be kept up on regularly so you are getting max penetration for lighting.
     
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  3. adicus

    adicus Aiptasia Anemone

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    Thanks everyone!!

    Thanks for the feed back.

    My new tank has a sump and a Protein Skimmer. I will also be adding a custom refugium which I am working on. It will be turning over 700 Gallons per hour with the DT. the surface area of the sump is 30"x12". The surface area of the DT is 36"x36" I will also have a MP40W making a wave in the DT.

    Based on your information, I will be going topless. Which will also make it easier for me to add additional flow if needed.

    Again THANKS everyone!!:)
     
  4. adicus

    adicus Aiptasia Anemone

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    Back on the Fence

    Thanks Missionsix for the information.

    Does a sump with 360 sq inches and fuge with 300 sq inches of surface area plus a large (300gal) Protein Skimmer sound like they might provide the oxygen exchange needed?

    One of my other concerns was lighting loss - which according to another thread is typically less than 1/700th. Based on what I am seeing with my current 75 (Acrylic) - I cover the top at night to cut down on evaporation, The condensation on the covers is DI and evaporates when the T5 Actinics come on in the AM leaving no residue. To date, I have had no issues with salt.