Question: Open top tanks safe for apistos?

[WendyKL]

Trying to figure out what I'll be doing for lighting and would like to do open top - is this safe for apistos and/or is there a recommendation regarding margin (in inches) from top of water to top of tank?
Thanks!

Wendy

 

[ErtyJr]

Trying to figure out what I'll be doing for lighting and would like to do open top - is this safe for apistos and/or is there a recommendation regarding margin (in inches) from top of water to top of tank?
Thanks!

Wendy

I have a few females in an open top. I have never had a problem. They've been in there quite some time. However it doesn't matter what fish it is, the risk of them jumping is ALWAYS there. I will say it's a pretty safe bet they will not jump, but they may decide to one day just like every single other fish. As far as the recommended water line that I don't really have any info for you on. A few inches should be fine, but of course more is better.

 

[gerald]

Can you lay some 2-inch wide strips of glass around the entire perimeter? That will greatly reduce the chance of jumping, while still having a mostly open top.

 

[abrooks12376]

I had a pair of panduro in a tank with a Glass top, only the tiniest opening along the back, found the female on the floor one morning, she must have wanted out of that tank real bad. On the other hand.. i keep 1m/2f cacs in a open top 30l.. they stay put..

 

[Culprit]

I have a 29g open top tank and never had an apisto jump out.
Pencil fish and some tetras is another story.

 

[Mike Wise]

Apistos do jump at times, particularly if in a relatively bare tank and startled. I find that jumping is reduced in a tank with a lot of hiding places AND the surface completely covered with plants.

 

[unhappyfeet]

I'd say open top is a bad idea, I've seen my male agazizizi jump out of the water when chased by his bossy partner when she's grumpy. Also you have a chance of condensation issues with localised wall coverings and plasterwork etc.