jason the filter freak March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 I've got a glass top on my IM 30 tank because I have humidity issues in my basement. Is there anyway to prevent the condensate build up? Defogger or something?I'm worried about the variability it inflicts on the PAR in my tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happyfeet March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 (edited) I switched to LED lighting and the issue completely went away. Edit* Off the top of my head a possible fix would be to install a couple spacers around the rim of your tank to raise the glass a little bit. This would create a small gap between the tank and the glass and you could run a fan to pull outside air under the glass on one side and out from under the glass on the other side. This might be enough to keep the temperature low enough to prevent condensation, or enough to dissipate the humidity trapped underneath. Edited March 12, 2014 by Happyfeet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Origami March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 Interesting question. I pulled the glass tops from my old 90 years ago for the same reason. Tagging along to see if there are any innovative ideas. (I was using halides, then.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy G March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 I had a glass top on my 40 with LEDs and still had the issue Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanM March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 I'm considering getting glass tops made for my rimless 75 with leds but didn't do it yet because of condensation concerns. Tagging along for ideas too. BTW, I had a smoked gray glass overflow box lid made at Laurel glass 3 feet long by 2.5" wide, 1/4 inch thick. Hand finished and beveled (didn't fit in their finishing machine), and it's very nice. Twenty Bucks. Would have been 15 if it was clear glass. I'd get the glass tops made there and put clear rubber feet on the corner to have them sit on the corners of the tank with 1/4" gap or so. Maybe a fan in the back corner keeping it dry? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trockafella March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 I have LEDs on a Nuvo and I still get condensation as well. I don't really see how switching lights has that much to do with it. I understand the added heat of say MHs, but I don't see the light matters. The Nuvo lids even have 2 holes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coral Hind March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 I have the same issue with my IM Nuvo16g. It has the stock LED lights over it. Tagging along too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rioreef March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 I get condensation after the lights go out but, will evaporate when the glass warms up and the fans are running after the lights (T5s) come on. Also, I have two panes that do not completely cover (front to back). I leave gaps of about 3/4 between each and along the front and back allowing for evaporation to escape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brad908 March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 There will always be condensation if you dont leave gaps. If you must have a top, use a screen top. No condensation and you get proper air flow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanM March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 There will always be condensation if you dont leave gaps. If you must have a top, use a screen top. No condensation and you get proper air flow. Sure, but screen top looks like doodoo over my rimless tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
londonloco March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 I had my IM16 with no lights over it for a week or so leak testing, the condensation drove me nuts, it now has a screen top over it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brad908 March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 Sure, but screen top looks like doodoo over my rimless tank. I didn't think they looked that bad on mine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
howaboutme March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 Oh man, no he did not, Alan! Those are fighting words (or picture)! hehe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YHSublime March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 Sure, but screen top looks like doodoo over my rimless tank. I was going to say, you can get pretty nice clear tops for rimless. Never PERFECT, but close. I figured brad was seconds away from posting that pic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanM March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 I'm happy to be proven wrong. I recalled Brad having a custom nano top for his. Do you have any closer pics of how you did that or a reference for someone that can make a clear frame to hold the clear netting? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brad908 March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 (edited) I'm happy to be proven wrong. I recalled Brad having a custom nano top for his. Do you have any closer pics of how you did that or a reference for someone that can make a clear frame to hold the clear netting? PicO Aquariums has made all the clear acrylic tops I've used. I can take pictures of one I have at home....Which reminds me I have to send it back and have a custom cut one made. Edited March 12, 2014 by brad908 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanM March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 Great, will check them out. To be clear, is that what is pictured above? A clear acrylic frame with clear netting in it? I don't see that as a product on their website... PicO Aquariums has made all the clear acrylic tops I've used. I can take pictures of one I have at home....Which reminds me I have to send it back and have a custom cut one made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lnevo March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 That top looks a little different but i've seen acrylic tops made that essentially look like a eurobrace with a groove routed out to install the netting. It looked pretty slick...lemme see if i can find the link... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason the filter freak March 12, 2014 Author Share March 12, 2014 Of note the tank has a Radion XR30 for lighting running at 75% and the top is the IM top where are spacers + two holes for holds to pick the thing up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YHSublime March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 That top looks a little different but i've seen acrylic tops made that essentially look like a eurobrace with a groove routed out to install the netting. It looked pretty slick...lemme see if i can find the link... Sounds slick... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason the filter freak March 12, 2014 Author Share March 12, 2014 Sorry for crappy res pic, just snapped it real quick with my laptop... also how will screens help prevent humidity / evap? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Der ABT March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 is it possible to lower the top so that it touches the water, may have to trim it so it fits in the tank and the install some posts for it to sit on, the 156g has a glass center brace that does the same thing, when i saw one with the overflows still in it the water actually touched the glass (since i did my own overflow i guess its a little lower) and you can always see down. acrylic will bow im sure so as long as there is a constant water level i would think this could work for these small tanks as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 Jason, I had the same issue with that tank which is the reason why I used a screen top. Keep in mind I was growing SPS just fine at a peak intensity of 40% with that same light. If you go the screen top route, I would lower the intensity of that light as it truly is overkill on that small of a tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brad908 March 12, 2014 Share March 12, 2014 Great, will check them out. To be clear, is that what is pictured above? A clear acrylic frame with clear netting in it? I don't see that as a product on their website... Only pic I could find on my photobucket Just a clear acrylic frame with little black screws to hold the netting. If you go on their site > accessories > pico 20g net screen cover. Easier to just email Chris with your dimensions and ask for a quote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason the filter freak March 12, 2014 Author Share March 12, 2014 I think I like the idea of lowing it so it just touches the water but I don't think that will work with the overflows Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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