i got 2 open top tanks and 1 closed top tank. if i had to do it all over again, all of my tanks would be open top style. the only reason is because its so much easier to maintain. however in the closed top design, it does have a nice look at night to turn off all the other lights in the house except in the tank. the tank looks unreal... sooo beautiful. it just stands out more. you dont get the other light shineing in from the top.