Has anyone used this as a lid for their tank?

[Nardi]

"OPTIX acrylic lighting panel"

I can pick it up from a nearby hardware store. I've been looking for something lightweight that won't block too much PAR.

Otherwise I planned on going the egg crate route. Just want something for the jumpers.

Thanks!

 

[Nardi]

Here's the link for it.

OPTIX 23.75 in. x 47.75 in. Prisma Square Clear Acrylic Light Panel 1A00702A - The Home Depot

OPTIX acrylic lighting panels are an economical, lightweight and easy to use solution for all your fluorescent lighting cover needs. Standard sizes fit most drop-in ceiling systems as well as many standard

www.homedepot.com

 

[Readywriter]

I got a follow on question for this: has anyone experimented with the actual effects of light diffusion? I mean, light is diffused the moment it hits the water, it would seem to me that light being diffused by some greehouse type panel 2 inches above the water shouldnt make much of a difference and could possibly be beneficial under the right usage.

 

[Gtinnel]

I have used cheap plexiglass sheets in the past and they would eventually bow. Probably because I bought panels that were too thin to stay rigid.
I now make my own screen lids with the screen door kits from Lowe’s. I like them much better than cheap plastic lids.

 

[Cell]

That does not seem optimal. You want just a plain, clear sheet of polycarbonate/lexan. Acrylic warps and you don't want any weird patterns/diffusers.

 

[slogan315]

I don’t have a lid personally, but I’ve been doing some research. Most lids are made from polycarbonate and not acrylic. This is because acrylic absorbs some humidity causing bowing.

 

[exnisstech]

Pretty sure I've seen the one linked in the store and they are pretty flimsy looking

 

[Nardi]

Appreciate the info! I'll look into polycarbonate as well.

 

[Quintin]

Appreciate the info! I'll look into polycarbonate as well.

Try these guys.

Cut To Size Polycarbonate Sheets - ePlast.com

Easy to install and low maintenance polycarbonate sheets made in the USA and delivered to your home. Best solution for roofing, greenhouses, pergolas, room divider, desk divider, light diffuser and more.

www.eplast.com

 

[Nardi]

Try these guys.

Cut To Size Polycarbonate Sheets - ePlast.com

Easy to install and low maintenance polycarbonate sheets made in the USA and delivered to your home. Best solution for roofing, greenhouses, pergolas, room divider, desk divider, light diffuser and more.

www.eplast.com

Is there a thickness you would recommend? I'd need two 23x11.5in sheets

 

[Quintin]

Is there a thickness you would recommend? I'd need two 23x11.5in sheets

No clue to be honest.
But probably something like 0.13 inches or 3mm should suffice if you gonna rest it on your tank.

 

[Devisissy]

It's a diffuser so yes it will change par overall. Also, if you run UV it will eventually turn yellow and brittle.

 

[Sophie"s mom]

"OPTIX acrylic lighting panel"

I can pick it up from a nearby hardware store. I've been looking for something lightweight that won't block too much PAR.

Otherwise I planned on going the egg crate route. Just want something for the jumpers.

Thanks!

I agree with gtinnel, I did the same. I bought the screen frame materials, plastic screen with 1/4" mesh holes, aluminum hinges and hardware, you can design around any equipment, etc. I would highly recommend this rather than what you are looking at. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Devisissy]

Or just buy the DD kit.

 

[avocadoman]

I cut a 3/8" acrylic panel on top of mine while I wait for the Kraken lid to come. Within 3 days the edges were curling up and the corners say about an inch off the top.

Acrylic is not a great material for that.

 

[Nardi]

I cut a 3/8" acrylic panel on top of mine while I wait for the Kraken lid to come. Within 3 days the edges were curling up and the corners say about an inch off the top.

Acrylic is not a great material for that.

Thanks! That's what i was afraid of. I wanted a Kraken but they don't have a standard fit for Aqueon and aren't taking custom orders.

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

Thanks! That's what i was afraid of. I wanted a Kraken but they don't have a standard fit for Aqueon and aren't taking custom orders.

We have standard aqueon lids. >>> https://www.tenecoraquariums.com/collections/lids-aqueon

All of our lids are for aqueon with frames. If we don't have this size, we will make it custom for you. Rimmed or rimless. No crazy custom charges.

 

[landlubber]

"OPTIX acrylic lighting panel"

I can pick it up from a nearby hardware store. I've been looking for something lightweight that won't block too much PAR.

Otherwise I planned on going the egg crate route. Just want something for the jumpers.

Thanks!

There'll likely be condensation accumulating leaving beads of water hanging off the lids affecting the light. Also, screen kits are so inexpensive, customizable and easy to build that there is really no reason to consider lids. just my 2c

 

[tzabor10]

I picked a KastLite Egg Crate Panel up on a suggestion from a previous post. Won’t help with humidity but will prevent jumping and falling lights.

 

[FernFish]

I’m a lid guy myself helps conserve water