Glass sliders

[Mattant1984]

Hi guys,

So I have glass sliders on my tank but also a lid.
The sliders get dirty fairly quickly and I also see a lot of planted tanks without lids etc. Do you think the plants would do better without them??

Many thanks

 

[MichaelJ]

Hi guys,

So I have glass sliders on my tank but also a lid.
The sliders get dirty fairly quickly and I also see a lot of planted tanks without lids etc. Do you think the plants would do better without them??

Many thanks

I have lids too. Yes, they get dirty over time and needs cleaning. You do loose some light transmission when using a lid - obviously a lot over time if you don't keep it clean. I have a couple of centimeters (3 or so) towards the back that is not covered so that provides some air flow. As long as you have that and keep the lid clean I can't think of a single reason why your submerged plants (or even low-profile floating plants such as Frogbit, duckweed etc) would do better without the lid.

There are some tangible benefits of using a lid as well; such as less evaporation, less heat dissipation and less of a chance livestock escaping the tank. Also you can have your light source situated on the glass (which is what I do). Some benefits of not using a lid would be easier access to the tank (not having to remove the lid every time you do maintenance), allow plants to penetrate the surface without the glass getting in their way etc. , possibly a slight increase in gas exchange and better and more uniform light distribution. And of course, not having a lid to clean ever so often 🙂 ... and some may also find an "open" tank more aesthetic - I tend to agree, but thats all a matter of taste of course.

Cheers,
Michael

 

[Mattant1984]

I have lids too. Yes, they get dirty over time and needs cleaning. You do loose some light transmission when using a lid - obviously a lot over time if you don't keep it clean. I have a couple of centimeters (3 or so) towards the back that is not covered so that provides some air flow. As long as you have that and keep the lid clean I can't think of a single reason why your submerged plants (or even floating plants such as Frogbit, duckweed etc) would do better without the lid.

There are some tangible benefits of using a lid as well; such as less evaporation, less heat dissipation and lessen the chance of livestock escaping the tank. Also you can have your light source situated on the glass (which is what I do). Some benefits of not using a lid would be easier access to the tank (not having to remove the lid every time you do maintenance), allow plants to penetrate the surface etc. , possibly a slight increase in gas exchange better and more uniform light distribution. And of course, not having a lid to clean ever so often 🙂

Cheers,
Michael

I think that's made my mind up Michael Thanks, I will keep them on especially if its not going to make any big difference to the plants.
Maybe I will give them a clean though 😆😆

Many thanks

Matt

 

[MichaelJ]

Maybe I will give them a clean though 😆😆

Based on the picture you submitted that would be my recommendation as well! If the lid is glass, don't be afraid to use a relatively coarse sponge to get that lime and scale off (try the sponge on an inconspicuous area, such as near the edge, to make sure it wont scratch). I usually soak my sponge in a bit of white vinegar and make sure the glass is rinsed off thoroughly before I put it back on the tank. After I clean my lids they usually look brand new.

Cheers,
Michael

 

[Mattant1984]

Based on the picture you submitted that would be my recommendation as well! If the lid is glass, don't be afraid to use a relatively coarse sponge to get that lime and scale off (try the sponge on an inconspicuous area, such as near the edge, to make sure it wont scratch). I usually soak my sponge in a bit of white vinegar and make sure the glass is rinsed off thoroughly before I put it back on the tank. After I clean my lids they usually look brand new.

Cheers,
Michael

Believe it or not I have cleaned them a couple of times before but just not for a while 🙄🙄🤣🤣
I will get scrubbing tomorrow 😁😁

 

[mort]

I worked at a place that had over 200 tanks with two part glass lids and they had to be cleaned once a week. If you do it regularly then they don't take much work at all to keep them clear.