i built mine with lids on and it is a bit more work but it easier to move the tubs (as in stacking them if i need to treat the room for mites, no worries about hte wood mildweing from the moisture, no rubbing against the wood and spilters plus if they do start to squeeze out the lid prevent me from dragging their body against the wood and causing more injury.
plus i can change the water with hte lid on just open the one side ans slide it out enough to place water in make s it harder for the snake to try and speed out the tub.