Almost all decisions are made for the new tank. Now...what type of cover?

[Jeff1192]

As many of you know I'm planning on setting up a 75 gallon community planted tank in the fall. My next question is what type of cover would you go with? I've always had just the plan black canopy, but at Big Al's the other day I noticed a tank that was centre-braced and had clear lids. Would this be better for a planted set-up or is it more a matter of aesthetics?

Thanks,

Jeff

[charlie]

What type of lighting are you going with?  a high percentage of planted tanks , people use glass tops because of the amount of light they need to get into the tank for the plants.
Regards

[fischkopp]

I agree with charlie, it really depends on the lightning you want to apply and is pretty much your choice of aesthetics There are the standard canopies, that usually come with build in lights or allow you to place some on top. With those you wont get too much light into the tank. Many people have custom build canopies, with as many lights as you can fit in. I prefer glass top or even open tanks with the light fixtures directly sitting on the tank or hanging from the ceiling.

[beowulf]

I prefer the glass tops allows more light and looks nicer imo.

[Jeff1192]

Well from what I have read I will want at least 2 fluorescent tubes for better plant growth. I would also like to look at adding a moonlight system down the road. So I guess I would need to go with the clear cover then. Is this right?

Thanks,

Jeff

[charlie]

Well from what I have read I will want at least 2 fluorescent tubes for better plant growth. I would also like to look at adding a moonlight system down the road. So I guess I would need to go with the clear cover then. Is this right?

Thanks,

Jeff

Jeff short answer yes( glass cover), you can always build or buy a wooden canopy for aesthetics later.
I would suggest that you take sometime & do a lot of research about lights in relation to planted tanks, in the plant forum ( here) there are some threads & links which will cover this aspect of the hobby, the qty. of tubes do not necessarily translate to enough lights for better plant growth ( it`s more about the light intensity), there is also a relation between lights & required nutrition.
Regards

[fischkopp]

... there is also a relation between lights & required nutrition.

... and you will realize very soon that you dont want too much light  as you have to keep adding the right amount of nutrients including the most important one: CO2 ... but dont be too scared of it