2 nubie Questions

I have been reading for 3 weeks straight - learn so much and looking forward to learning more. These two question I can't seem to find any answers too.

#1 Is having a lid on the tank a good thing or bad? I can understand why you don't want one -Oxygen, salt build up. lighting ect. But would having a lid or glass on the tank stop fish from jumping out? (as an x fresh water aquarium owner) it happens. Also would it not stop dust and contaminates getting into the tank?

#2 During the "second or secret cycle" it's normal to have an algae break out due to nitrogen levels on your way to a mature tank. But is it a good idea to slow this cycle or combat it early before putting in the CUC. Or should you just let it run it's course?

Would love to hear any advise - Thank you

 

#1 Yes it stops fish from jumping out but there are other ways such as using screen material.

#2 Most try to combat it early by adding in the CUC at the first sign of algae.

 

Thank you to both

Follow up what type of lid? (I have a 75 gal 4ft long 18" wide. Should I make my own out of glass? or would a box of some sort work better (added air flow) or am I over thinking this LOL

 

I have heard people using eggcrate (light diffuser) to put over the tank to stop fish from jumping out. I could be wrong on this but I thought an open tank was better for managing your PH also.

 

Yes I think there is some truth to that, regarding pH, but I have a lid and maintain an ideal pH, but I do have a sump built in and that contributes as well.

Problem with eggcrate IMO is that some fish get through it, take my Blue Spotted Jawfish for example. I like the mesh idea better if you do not have light loving sps.

 

To add to Corailline - the eggcrate is also known as a "light diffuser" so if you use that, you will lose some of the effectiveness of your lights. Before I had a canopy on my tank, we made a screen out of plastic screen frame and bird netting. It worked very well without blocking light. And I believe there are some suppliers that sell the clear mesh now so it shouldnt affect your lighting at all.