DIY lid

aust10n · 12/30/2014, 07:45 AM

Does anyone have an acrylic lid on their tank? I was thinking buying a sheet of acrylic and making a simple lid for my 20g. I was curious how this affects the PAR of LEDS and of it is advisable.

billdogg · 12/30/2014, 08:01 AM

Although that will work, the acrylic will eventually bow, it will collect salt creep, and generally be less than desirable. You would be much better served by making a DIY screen top using window screen frame parts available at HD/Lowes and 1/4" clear mesh from BRS. It will allow for much better oxygen exchange, keep jumpers from, well, jumping, and won't block any light.

Although not the best picture, here's a shot of mine

hth

IanWR · 12/30/2014, 08:13 AM

Having a lid at all is one of those contentious things that you will hear the full range of comments from "Oh no! Never put a glass top on, everything will die!" to "Tops are what everyone should be using in all cases".

The question for you is, why do you want a lid? If it is to keep your fish from jumping out, you can make a screen top that will keep the critters in, allows maximum gas exchange, and practically doesn't affect your lights.

If on the other hand you are trying to limit evaporation, you need to pick something solid. Plastic can warp and/or discolour over time, glass will not. Plastic can be easily drilled, less easily bent, glass can be harder to work with. Either way, so long as you have a skimmer and an overflow your tank will still have enough gas exchange. You will see some light reduction, but not as much as some fear.

HTH,

Ian

12/30/2014, 07:45 AM	#1
aust10n Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 7	DIY lid Does anyone have an acrylic lid on their tank? I was thinking buying a sheet of acrylic and making a simple lid for my 20g. I was curious how this affects the PAR of LEDS and of it is advisable.

12/30/2014, 08:01 AM	#2
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	Although that will work, the acrylic will eventually bow, it will collect salt creep, and generally be less than desirable. You would be much better served by making a DIY screen top using window screen frame parts available at HD/Lowes and 1/4" clear mesh from BRS. It will allow for much better oxygen exchange, keep jumpers from, well, jumping, and won't block any light. Although not the best picture, here's a shot of mine hth __________________ 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

12/30/2014, 08:13 AM	#3
IanWR Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: SK, Canada Posts: 214	Having a lid at all is one of those contentious things that you will hear the full range of comments from "Oh no! Never put a glass top on, everything will die!" to "Tops are what everyone should be using in all cases". The question for you is, why do you want a lid? If it is to keep your fish from jumping out, you can make a screen top that will keep the critters in, allows maximum gas exchange, and practically doesn't affect your lights. If on the other hand you are trying to limit evaporation, you need to pick something solid. Plastic can warp and/or discolour over time, glass will not. Plastic can be easily drilled, less easily bent, glass can be harder to work with. Either way, so long as you have a skimmer and an overflow your tank will still have enough gas exchange. You will see some light reduction, but not as much as some fear. HTH, Ian