Top 5 Mistakes Aquarium Owners Make With Tank Covers (and How Salty Lids™ Fixes Them)

If you’ve been in the aquarium hobby long enough, you’ve probably tried every kind of lid under the sun. Glass lids, DIY screen kits, maybe even leaving your tank open because “it looks better.” But here’s the truth: the wrong lid—or no lid at all—can cause more problems than it solves.

At Salty Lids™, we see these mistakes all the time, and we’ve built our lids to solve them. Let’s dive into the five most common cover slip-ups and how you can avoid them.

1. Using Heavy Glass Lids

Glass lids seem like a good idea at first. They keep water in and fish in too. But they’re heavy, fragile, and a nightmare to deal with when you’re cleaning or feeding. Drop one once and you’ll never look at your toes (or your tank) the same way again. Plus, they trap heat like a greenhouse.

Salty Lids™ are CNC-cut from lightweight, ultra-strong polycarbonate. They’re easy to lift, and you’ll never worry about shattering glass again.

2. Letting Evaporation Go Wild

A lot of hobbyists don’t realize just how much water disappears through evaporation. The result? Constant top-offs, big swings in salinity, and salt creep that can make your stand look like a science experiment.

That’s why we’re excited about our soon-to-be released evaporation cover. Paired with our lids, it helps keep evaporation in check while still allowing plenty of airflow when removed. The payoff is fewer top-offs, less salt buildup, and a more stable reef environment. And that stability isn’t just good for ‘livestock’—it’s what keeps your pets healthy and thriving.

3. Leaving Gaps (aka Escape Routes)

This is a big one. DIY screen kits or off-the-shelf lids often leave little gaps around equipment or tank corners. And guess what? Your fish will find them. Wrasses, gobies, dartfish—these guys are Olympic-level jumpers.

Every Salty Lid™ is custom-cut for your tank. We precision-machine slots for light mounts, cables, and accessories, so your fish—your living pets, not just “stock”—stay in the tank where they belong.

4. Choosing Cheap Plastic That Warps

Those flimsy plastic covers you find at chain pet stores look fine on day one. Fast forward six months and they’re bent, yellowed, and rattling every time your return pump kicks on. Not exactly the look you were going for.

We use UV-stable, premium-grade polycarbonate that won’t warp or yellow over time. Your lid stays clear and solid, giving your reef the long-lasting protection your pets deserve.

5. Skipping a Lid Altogether

This is the “I like the open-top look” mistake. Sure, it looks clean—until your favorite fish makes a leap of faith. And losing a fish isn’t just about replacing livestock—it’s about losing one of your pets, a living creature you’ve cared for, fed, and maybe even named.

Salty Lids™ give you that open-top vibe without the risk. The clear screen practically disappears under your lights, so you get a sleek display and peace of mind knowing your pets are safe.

Anchoring It All

Tank lids aren’t just an accessory—they’re protection for your investment, your livestock, and your pets. Because let’s be honest: the animals in your tank aren’t just “stock.” They’re your pets, part of your home, and sometimes even part of your family story.

That’s where Salty Lids™ comes in. We design lids that are tough, clear, custom-fit, and built to last. No gaps, no warping, no stress—just a clean, professional look that keeps your reef and your pets safe and thriving.

So if you’ve made one—or even all—of these mistakes before, don’t worry. You’re in good company. Just know there’s a better option waiting. Check out our collection of Salty Lids™ today and give your pets the protection they deserve.