How to cover the top of the tank

[kitcass]

I just got rid of the enclosed canopy over my 100 gal reef and now have a hanging lite fixture. I want to cover the top of the tank with something to keep inhabitants in and debris out. Any ideas on what to use? I have tried lite diffuser panels (white plastic with square holes) but they cut down too much light. I don't want to use glass or plexiglass because I want the evaporation to help keep the temperature down.
Thanks
Kit

[Chuck S]

I usually do not recommend covering the top of the tank.

[tendar]

My tank is wide open. I dont have anything covering mine but I make sure to get fish that are not really known for jumping and the rest are getting along well.
I do have egg crate over my swim tank though since I dont have a canopy for it and my niger trigger jumped the second day it was in there but I was lucky and was home when he did it that is when I cover that tank.
If you really want to cover it about the only thing you can use that will not block out to much light is egg crate but it wont stop small stuff from getting into the tank.

[kitcass]

Thanks, Gregg. I have tried the egg crate but I used a Lux meter to measure the light levels and it seems to cut it down by about a third. I don't have any jumpers so maybe I will just leave it open or I could lower my lights a few inches.

Kit

[Chuck S]

If you don't have jumpers you should be good. My 120 has a hanging hood and I have been fine without anything covering it.

[tendar]

I would just go with out if you dont have any jumpers. But there really is not such thing as none jumpers. I have even seen a Manderian jump a tank. I had a 6 line wrasse I had for 2 years jump a tank with a fairly tight canopy on it with only a 1.5" slot across the back of the canopy and it made it out some how so there no fish that I think can be totally called a non jumper well ecept maybe a angler.
Either way the open top is the best way for me.