Acrylic sheet to cover the top?

Jakef150 · 07/31/2011, 06:18 AM

I have biocube 29 with open top..

Just wonder if acrylic sheet ( from home depot) ok for top with AI SOL 12" high?

I do have net cover but they look ugly

Thanks

TACoraled · 07/31/2011, 07:03 AM

Acrylic will work fine for now, but over time will yellow and become brittle. This also does not take into account the inability for your tank to then also allow gas exchange. Glass would be better as a top over acrylic, but netting, although ugly, would be best if a top was needed (due to jumpers).

amj991 · 07/31/2011, 07:06 AM

I have a piece of glass on the top of mine that came with it. I just had one of 3 row fans to blow air across the glass to help keep things cool. I never had any problems.

Sugar Magnolia · 07/31/2011, 07:54 AM

It's not advisable to completely cover the top of the tank, you need to allow for gas exchange. Also, having it covered will cause condensation that will cut down light penetration.

snorvich · 07/31/2011, 08:01 AM

Investigate mesh with 1/4 inch holes. Solves the problem that Adrienne mentions and keeps the fish in. Little to no light reduction as would be found using acrylic.

billdogg · 07/31/2011, 09:19 AM

I think screen tops look pretty good if done well. I used the standard window screen frames and 1/4" mesh, but spray painted the frames to match the trim. I also used a double layer of framing with the mesh in between. A few pop rivets to hold the 2 sections together and it is solid.

coralreefdoc · 07/31/2011, 09:26 AM

Also, the acrylic will warp, rather quickly, from constantly being suspended above the water

Ron Reefman · 07/31/2011, 09:40 AM

+1 for what billdog said. Window screen framing and spline with the best you can find in screen that won't rust, blocks as little light as possible and still prevents jumpers.

Ron

albano · 07/31/2011, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coralreefdoc

Also, the acrylic will warp, rather quickly, from constantly being suspended above the water

+1...won't last a month!

greenbrown · 07/31/2011, 10:05 AM

I use partial glass cover with fan.

Fuge covered with plexi for 3 months, no major warpage yet.

Jakef150 · 07/31/2011, 11:00 AM

Alrite I'll leave net alone..

Thanks
Jake

07/31/2011, 06:18 AM	#1
Jakef150 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: New York - Suffolk Posts: 1,538	Acrylic sheet to cover the top? I have biocube 29 with open top.. Just wonder if acrylic sheet ( from home depot) ok for top with AI SOL 12" high? I do have net cover but they look ugly Thanks

07/31/2011, 07:54 AM	#4
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	It's not advisable to completely cover the top of the tank, you need to allow for gas exchange. Also, having it covered will cause condensation that will cut down light penetration. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

07/31/2011, 08:01 AM	#5
snorvich Team RC member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Outlander Posts: 40,953 Blog Entries: 46	Investigate mesh with 1/4 inch holes. Solves the problem that Adrienne mentions and keeps the fish in. Little to no light reduction as would be found using acrylic. __________________ Warmest regards, ~Steve~

07/31/2011, 09:19 AM	#6
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	I think screen tops look pretty good if done well. I used the standard window screen frames and 1/4" mesh, but spray painted the frames to match the trim. I also used a double layer of framing with the mesh in between. A few pop rivets to hold the 2 sections together and it is solid. __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

07/31/2011, 09:40 AM	#8
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	+1 for what billdog said. Window screen framing and spline with the best you can find in screen that won't rust, blocks as little light as possible and still prevents jumpers. Ron __________________ The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017

07/31/2011, 07:03 AM	#2
TACoraled Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Cleveland Posts: 410	Acrylic will work fine for now, but over time will yellow and become brittle. This also does not take into account the inability for your tank to then also allow gas exchange. Glass would be better as a top over acrylic, but netting, although ugly, would be best if a top was needed (due to jumpers).

07/31/2011, 07:06 AM	#3
amj991 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 115	I have a piece of glass on the top of mine that came with it. I just had one of 3 row fans to blow air across the glass to help keep things cool. I never had any problems.

07/31/2011, 09:26 AM	#7
coralreefdoc Moved On Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Cavitation Bubble Posts: 776	Also, the acrylic will warp, rather quickly, from constantly being suspended above the water

07/31/2011, 10:05 AM	#10
greenbrown Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Miramichi New Brunswick Canada Posts: 4	I use partial glass cover with fan. Fuge covered with plexi for 3 months, no major warpage yet. __________________ I wish, I wish, I wish I were a fish Mr. Limpet Current Tank Info: 46 gallon bow front with 10 gal sump - Z. flavescens, 2 x TR A. Percula, 2 x Chrysiptera parasema (YTB Damsel), Neocirrhitus armatus (Flame Hawkfish)

07/31/2011, 11:00 AM	#11
Jakef150 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: New York - Suffolk Posts: 1,538	Alrite I'll leave net alone.. Thanks Jake

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