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I found that stock lids were no longer available for my 125 gallon Oceanic. I got fed up after years of trying to repair cracked glass lids with silicone and/or tape, so I turned to custom cuts of plate glass It was expensive and I continued to have problems with cracks. Plate glass is very brittle. Finally, I was forced to consider fancy custom cut-outs to accommodate new equipment that is clearly designed with only open-top aquariums in mind. The estimated cost for the custom cuts on the glass was more expensive than the gear itself, so I considered the synthetics. First I tried plexiglass. Don't. It really warps. It cracks when you cut it. Did I mention it warps? It really warps. Beware, the terms acrylic and plexiglass are used interchangeably. I switched out the plexiglass with polycarbonate (AKA "bullet-proof glass" - at least at 3/8 inch thickness, not that I went that thick). A bit pricey, but it's going to last. It was (mostly) a cinch to make all kinds of special cut-outs, not unlike working with wood and just using wood-working tools. Easy to get carried away custom-building special features since PVC cement completely bonds pieces together. Overall, I'm really happy with it. My lids did warp very slightly (half inch over 3 foot lengths), but only the two front panels on which my front lights sit directly on the lids. The lights get hot. Warping isn't a problem because the lights hold the lids down perfectly flat while they are sitting on them. The rear lights are raised about two inches above the lids, and those lids didn't warp at all. One other thing: salt deposits do build up on the front panels directly in contact with the lights, just as it does on glass. It took some trial and error to find just the right thing to clean the deposits without scratching the polycarbonate. Fingernails under a water flow work best. Next best and my current protocol is an old credit card. Razor blades and brushes are bad choices.Hey all,
I am considering to diy an acrylic top for my tank? Is there any disadvantage in terms of light passing through? Anyone has any expirience? I am not a fan of meshes. Thx
Acrylic top will warp because the difference in moisture and dry air on the opposite side.Hey all,
I am considering to diy an acrylic top for my tank? Is there any disadvantage in terms of light passing through? Anyone has any expirience? I am not a fan of meshes. Thx