Do Fish Tanks Need A Lid?

Getting involved with keeping fish is amazing. As we go on we have more elaborate ideas for scaping our tanks and what fish to actually keep.

But when we start out we don’t pay enough attention as to the lid or no lid on our tanks!. So Do Fish Tanks Need A Lid?.

For beginners yes as it’s much easier. Slows evaporation issues prevent children and pets as well as dirt and other objects from getting in the tank and stop fish and water from escaping!.

Reasons For Needing A Lid?

Well, there are a good few reasons for keeping a lid on your aquarium. The main reason would be the slowing down of evaporation. As a tank owner, this can be a real problem.

losing more than an inch or two of water a week changes the water’s parameters causing imbalances in bacteria and of cause, less water makes things harder on your fish!.

Next, we have a loss of heat. Making the heater work harder than needed. This can generate some colder spots within the water not the best conditions for some tropical fish.

Also, prolonged pressure on the heater. This will result in a shorter lifespan of the said heater and think of the extra cost of energy needed!.

Having a lid/hood on our tanks. Will prevent any dust dirt and possible spillages. Or other objects for that matter from entering the tank and contaminating the water and harming our fish!.

A lid /hood will also keep any unwanted attention away from our aquariums from other pets. That may be curious dogs cats etc and of cause those pesky children. They just love dipping their hands in trying to stroke the fish.

Of Cause jumpers, a lid will stop any fish and or shrimp, etc from getting out and hurting themselves. As well as these points having a lid keeps the wires from all equipment safe and tidy and stops any water from escaping.

What Types Of Lids Are There?

Main Types of Lid/Hood

Glass lids

Glass lids/hoods are the best as they fit perfectly and look amazing. As is in keeping with most tanks being glass they give the most help with evaporation issues as well.

Plastic lids

Plastic lids/hoods are probably next and are cheaper than glass. They are harder to keep clean though but do generally fit nice and snug.

Acrylic lids

Acrylic or plexiglass is more of a fabricated material it’s usually lighter and tougher than glass. Some say gives a better viewing experience but it’s more expensive and harder to keep clean. As calcium from the water tends to attach and acrylic is highly scratchable.

Canopy

A Canopy style lid/hood is more of a box over the tank. With an opening to fit over the tank within the canopy, there’s room to house equipment and lighting etc.

Wood

Wood can also be used to form a lid/hood but needs to be treated and safe for fish. Not only is this a DIY style it’s not very conducive for viewing fish.

Does Lid Need Air Holes?

Although it’s perfectly fine to have air holes. Or holes for wires to keep equipment safe and tidy. Or a feeding hatch for instance by no means is this necessary it’s perfectly fine with no holes whatsoever!.

Personally, I would have some holes big enough to house my wires from the filter heater and or other equipment.

What Else Can Be Used As A Lid DIY Lids?

Fish hobbyists have long been using all manner of items. To be fair ranging from acrylic wood pieces to plastics and metal-edged and wire mesh.

All the above needs to be religiously treated and cleaned with no sharp edges and of course be treated and fish safe before using. Glass is the nicest I think normally plated glass.

But maybe tempered glass to stay in keeping with the tank as most glass tanks are indeed tempered. There are also a couple of types of glass to consider.

Regular and low iron some people will just simply cover with a towel. Mainly overnight not the best look by any means but each to their own I guess!.

Can Fish Tanks Be  Completely Covered?

Fish tanks and or aquariums are fine completely covered. The only caveat to that is that the tank shouldn’t be airtight. Some airflow should be able to go in as well as out of the tank itself.

Cover A Tank With A Towel?

Yes, by all means, you can cover a fish tank/aquarium with a towel. In fact, it’s almost vital to do so in the winter months. To help keep some much-needed heat in there, especially with a tropical fish tank.

What About No Lid On Tank?

Whilst I’d suggest keeping a lid/hood on a tank for reasons given above. Mainly evaporation issues heat regulation fish being attacked.

Via children and or pets and to avoid jumping fish escaping, by all means, there’s no reason tank wise for having no lid/hood. Just be careful over water loss for beginners. It’s best to have a lid/hood and enjoy the hobby for a while first that’s just my opinion though!.

Conclusion

Do fish tanks/aquariums need lids/hoods for beginners, yes. It’s so much easier and more enjoyable. For learning and understanding, keep the tank in good order.

But it’s not essential and lots of fish hobbyists do great with open tanks. On a side note, some plants do better in open tanks.

The longer you keep fish the better you get at tweaking small problems. Predicting issues at this stage you may well decide to try an open tank.