I have always run my tanks with hoods or some type of glass cover. Does it really matter either way with a planted tank? If so why? Thanks!
I have both.
Basically with a planted tank IMHO the only difference is the water will evaporate slower. And you may have higher temperatures also.
My Wife's 10g only needs 1/2g/week top off with a covered top.
My 10g inside tank is open top and evaporates about 1g per week.
my 20gl on the back porch with an egg crate top (open) and heated evaporates about 1 g every day or two.
All three tanks have no filters, no circulation, no water changes. and fish and plants thrive in all three.
Of course if you have fish that jump you need some kind of cover. For instance, when I had silver hatchetfish on the 20g, I had to keep an eye on them when I removed the egg crate. (and several times had to pick up a fish from the floor) But my open top tanks with guppies and platys were fine.
my .02