Heat Loss From Open Top Tank

[VespertineStar]

Hey guys

My light unit recently gave up and I'm thinking of going open topped with suspended lights. Is there a significantly larger heat loss vs keeping a lid on?

Matt

 

[mike455555]

im guessing yes. but you could reduce it with a clear lid (will also stop condensation ) im guessing

 

[coldcazzie]

The heater in my open topped tank does spend a lot more time on than the heaters in my covered tanks, so I would say yes.

 

[soybean]

I think a clear perspex lid would still be a good idea just in case of jumping fish.

 

[fishprotector]

I had the same problem on my Shrimp tank. In the end, I just bought a condensation tray and placed that on top of the tank. The tank is 3 foot long and I think it cost about £10. You could still have a suspended light above it, as you can cut the tray to sit on the brace bars instead of the actual rim.

 

[soybean]

I had the same problem on my Shrimp tank. In the end, I just bought a condensation tray and placed that on top of the tank. The tank is 3 foot long and I think it cost about £10. You could still have a suspended light above it, as you can cut the tray to sit on the brace bars instead of the actual rim.

Exactly what Ive done with my guppy fry tank - hated the lid and the built in light was getting dodgy so I have clip on arcadia lights and a neatly trimmed condensation tray. Considering having a sliding perspex lid made though as the heater does seem to be on a lot so I think a lot of heat is still escaping.

 

[VespertineStar]

OK so the general consensus seems to be that the heater will be on longer but do you think that's more to do with the lights (which generate radiant heat) being much further away from the water than before? Anyone seen any concrete data on open vs closed lids?

I have a nice piece of toughened glass I can use for a lid, I'd just need to get it trimmed a bit