Author Topic: Be Careful With Glass Tops! (Read 1685 times)

SeaWitch · « **on:** April 29, 2008, 07:57:02 AM »

I had a scare last night! I was feeding the fish in the 30g and I raised the glass top. Unfortunately, the top did not go far enough back and it came crashing back down!

It did not crack or break, but the sound was LOUD and it scared all my fish!!!

It took them a while to recover and I realized how lucky I was that it didn't break into a thousand pieces and fall into the tank!

My next project will be to replace it with a plastic hood. I have also heard of people with glass tops trying to remove them to clean their tanks and the glass slipping from their hands and falling into the tank or on the floor and shattering. I know now just how dangerous glass tops can be!

claire_uk · « **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2008, 08:29:44 AM »

That is really scary. I am so glad I have my plastic top, but when I put the middle piece in with the lights im afraid of cracking the lights on something and the bits going in the tank. I dropped a net in the tank the other week and freaked out over that, not that it can do much damage! I also 'poked' Mika with my planting aid last night!
I havent seen a glass top before, dont think we get them here. I find the glas tank scary enough with any more. Work men HAVE to go through the book door if they are working in the kitchen!

Kaida · « **Reply #2 on:** April 29, 2008, 11:35:08 AM »

I've broken a glass top before and I almost cut my finger off in the process. You have to be SOOO careful with those things

SeaWitch · « **Reply #3 on:** April 29, 2008, 11:38:04 AM »

When I got this used tank, and found out it had a glass top, I was NOT thrilled. Liv, you remember sending me pics of what a glass top looked like? I will be so happy when I can get it replaced!!!!

Lolafish · « **Reply #4 on:** April 29, 2008, 07:08:28 PM »

That was close! I have plastic hoods on my 55 and 10 gallon tanks, and the 125 and 20 gallon tanks are open air at the moment. I do have an acrylic canopy made for my 125, but I need some plastic hinges to attach them properly to the tank. I had them custom made, and they wouldn't even make them in glass for my tank's size. Now we know why!

Kaida · « **Reply #5 on:** April 29, 2008, 07:36:46 PM »

Quote from: SeaWitch on April 29, 2008, 11:38:04 AM

When I got this used tank, and found out it had a glass top, I was NOT thrilled. Liv, you remember sending me pics of what a glass top looked like? I will be so happy when I can get it replaced!!!!

Yeah that's the one I broke LOL

Venus · « **Reply #6 on:** March 28, 2009, 06:38:12 AM »

Goldfish fair much better in open topped tanks. The aquariums available are designed specifically for tropical fish, not goldfish.

The perfect goldfish tank has more surface area and less depth; with a screen or open top. Goldfish tank water must be oxygenated. Lids prevent fresh air from reaching the water's surface; causing carbon dioxide to become trapped in between the water and the top.

I strongly recommend that we all flip our lids................

SeaWitch · « **Reply #7 on:** March 28, 2009, 06:54:22 AM »

Yes, I am looking into a stock tank for my fish room now. I am ditching the lids!

ultimateOrandaLuver · « **Reply #8 on:** March 28, 2009, 07:23:39 AM »

Omg Nickie, I'm glad it didn't break! You could've been hurt too! I've seen Oscar tanks on You-tube with glass lids

Crazy! I hope you can find some safer lids soon

claire_uk · « **Reply #9 on:** March 29, 2009, 01:18:35 AM »

Well..... after thinking we didnt get glass lids my new tank has a glass lid, which Im not crazy about, but so far is ok.

it slides open enough so as I can get in either side to do water changes etc. I cant really remove it since I have loachs who are good at escaping and I have holes in the back of the wooden hood part.
But then there is good circulation in the tank from the filters and bubble bars.

marlin08 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 29, 2009, 06:30:50 AM »

I bought a glass top for my new tank! I really did not have a choice....
I have only about 4-5" above the tank as it is set in a wall opening on a shelf (very sturdy, kind of like a mini bar top that is screwed in well and major supports under) between 2 rooms. I knew a full plastic hooe would not be able to open far enough for the Python so I ditched that idea and went with a glass top that lifts up and a light fixture that sits on it...

www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18360/si1379085/cl0/coralifefwt5aqualightdoublestriplight30

SeaWitch · « **Reply #11 on:** March 29, 2009, 07:12:35 AM »

No worries, Wynn! I haven't had any more upsets since that day as I am really careful now. I usually leave my tops open all day anyway, just to cool the tanks and bring more oxygen into the water.

pruje · « **Reply #12 on:** March 29, 2009, 12:29:11 PM »

I have had glass tops as long as I can remember. Never had a problem with any breaking. I just like the way they look.

The main reason I have them is because a topless tank evaporates much faster (which in turn increases humidity in the room, which to me isn't a good thing). Also, I am paranoid about my fish jumping out of the tank...I have seen it before in some tropical fish (bettas will definitely do it). Better safe than sorry.

I also like glass tops because it lets more light in from the top.

Aimeekat · « **Reply #13 on:** January 03, 2011, 05:07:48 AM »

Lets All Go TOPLESS!!!! hehehehehehe

all kidding aside all my tanks are half tops (leave have glass under lights) so technically im not topless mine have haltertops

. Yes the water evaporates quicker. But is way better for fancy goldfish. Not sure about the faster fish who can get enough momentum to launch out of tank. LOL i just tried to picture a chubby little ranchu trying to do a jump.

SeaWitch · « **Reply #14 on:** January 03, 2011, 05:55:26 AM »

After that happened to me with the glass top, I swore I would never have another. And yet, here I am with a 125g tank and glass tops on it.

Trust me, though, I looked everywhere trying to find two plastic tops to replace the glass with and no one had the size I needed! The glass tops that came with this tank were in very bad shape and I couldn't even find any glass tops to replace them! I had to have them special made from a glass cutter my hubby knows.

However, once spring gets here, I will take two of the glass tops off and go "halter", as well!

I may even break out the 150g stock tank again and let my fish party outside this summer, if I can find a good filter.

Lolafish · « **Reply #15 on:** January 03, 2011, 08:01:37 AM »

Quote from: Lolafish on April 29, 2008, 07:08:28 PM

I do have an acrylic canopy made for my 125

I just wanted to update that I never used that cover for the adults...just easier to get into the tank without it. I did use it when I had fry in that tank though. To prevent any accidental escapes.

I do think topless is better tho.

For a lot of reasons. Circulation, access, temperature control, aesthetics, cleanliness, etc...

zookey · « **Reply #16 on:** January 03, 2011, 08:03:23 AM »

Nickie.... can you find someone to cut plexiglass for you? I know they sell it in large sheets in different thicknesses at ACE hardware stores and I am sure other stores. Would that not be a safer alternative to glass? Or does plexiglass warp due to the heat of the lights?

Lola... how do you keep the lights dry? without some kind of top on mine the lights would get wet and that can't be a good thing, I wouldn't think.

SeaWitch · « **Reply #17 on:** January 03, 2011, 09:20:12 AM »

I'm pretty sure I could get some plexi glass cut for it.

I just never thought about that! My lights sit on top of the glass, so I have to have some sort of cover up there or the light will get wet. I know this because the glass stays wet underneath where the water splashes up. I wish I could find some way to hang the lights, but haven't figured that out yet.

zookey · « **Reply #18 on:** January 03, 2011, 10:25:52 AM »

I have always wanted legs for my lights so they can be held up off the lid.....

Plexiglass triangles glued to the ends of the lights that would stand on the ledge built into the tank. Hmmmmmm...... might have to experiment with that idea.

Or larger triangles with some small screws or bolts through the light housing!

Oh the ideas.

SeaWitch · « **Reply #19 on:** January 03, 2011, 04:00:22 PM »

You always come up with good ideas! You should write like me!

zookey · « **Reply #20 on:** January 03, 2011, 05:04:16 PM »

Me Write??? Nahhhhhh..... make things instead of buying them, yes, but writing? Nahhhh I am more a numbers person.

Lolafish · « **Reply #21 on:** January 04, 2011, 12:34:21 AM »

@Zookey I have pictures of my old setup buried here somewhere, but the easiest one to see is the Gallery pic. If you look under TANKS it's there I believe.

I have a handful of canopy lighting pieces - Orbit is a major brand off the top of my head. They are high enough up that water condensation is not an issue. The "lights with legs" you speak of.

I do use hoods on small tanks tho under 55g. as I haven't bought any of the canopy lighting to fit those sizes yet.

zookey · « **Reply #22 on:** January 04, 2011, 06:29:04 AM »

Canopy lighting is so expensive though!! Well I consider it expensive, nice as they are though.

That and I am not quite sure that in my house I would want to go completely topless.... dog hair/cat hair..... dumb cat.... so much could get in the water without some kind of lid.

SeaWitch · « **Reply #23 on:** January 04, 2011, 10:11:44 AM »

Dog and cat hair is nothing compared to what can get in your fishie's water when they are outside.

Trust me, it won't hurt them.

zookey · « **Reply #24 on:** January 04, 2011, 10:24:47 AM »

I am thinking more of the dumb cat then just the critter hair! hahaha

SeaWitch · « **Reply #25 on:** January 04, 2011, 01:28:02 PM »

I can certainly understand that! I have a tarded cat myself!

Aimeekat · « **Reply #26 on:** January 05, 2011, 12:28:22 AM »

I don't have to worry bout my cat because he's tarded and fat. Lol he weighs 22 lbs could never jump his fat a** up there

. The monster! But we lucky, he seems to have noooooo interest in them. Have never caught him a once watching any of the tanks. I have a picture in my head now of him actually managing to jump up and into the topless tank, it's a absolutly scary but extremely hilarious picture all at once. But his fat rear can barely jump on the bed. Might have to post some pics of my other animals on the other none fishy pets thread just to embarrass him maybe he will go on diet

.

SeaWitch · « **Reply #27 on:** January 05, 2011, 06:44:06 AM »

Yes, post some pics of your other pets! We love seeing them all!!!

zookey · « **Reply #28 on:** January 05, 2011, 08:05:43 AM »

Oh yes... please post pics of the fat cat! Mine is just over 10 pounds but my tank sits right in front of kitchen/dining room pass through and she gets on the counter top and watches me clean tanks. You know how hard it is to pay attention to a python and a curious cat at the same time!! My cat watches the fish all the time. She used to be extremely skinny but since we have gotten the fish she has calmed down dramatically and actually gained a bit of weight. Must be relaxing for her as well as me.

How old is your fat cat?

Lolafish · « **Reply #29 on:** January 05, 2011, 08:34:06 AM »

Quote from: SeaWitch on January 04, 2011, 10:11:44 AM

Dog and cat hair is nothing compared to what can get in your fishie's water when they are outside. Trust me, it won't hurt them.

Author Topic: Be Careful With Glass Tops! (Read 1685 times)

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