On my reef tank I run the top open, with reef tanks evaporation helps keep the heat down.
I know Oscars are prone to jumping, is plastic eggcrate ok to use or would plexiglass be a better choice?
I know glass would be best but that will be expensive.

Wood or plexiglass with some weight on top. O's can jump hard if they feel like it.

I was thinking of using eggcrate (flourescent light diffuser) with the light for weight.

you really better look into glass... i have had my o's bang into the glass top and move it.and the glass is over 1/4inch thick.

Having the glass cut at your Local Hardware store will help keep the cost down. and I can get you a link to a cheap hinge!

I use a treated mesh terrarium cover...but my tank is much smaller

reeftofresh wrote:

this is doable....

i use glass covers, for plexiglass will bow a bit when wet.
I "seal " the glass by sticking it under a small glass ledge that has been siliconed lenghtwise on the inside of my tank.
Work like a charm and my fish would have to break the glass to get out.
But mine are not jumpy at all.

definatly go glass! i got the top of my 8x2x2 done with 1/4" plate glass for 40 bucks!


lol if cost is a factor, plexi is out!! plexi glass costs like 3-4 times what glass does! and its not weighted enough to keep the o's from knocking it out of place.


i guess the egg crate would work... but lol... ew... it would look like hammered shit.


edit - nicki i still need to order my hinge stuff lol, post that link

I have sliding cover glass, and a wooden top (the lights are hanging from this)