Acrylic Material for lid = no sag

[Slm222]

Not as rigid as acrylic, despite what some believe.

It's may as rigid but it does not warp under the weight of gravity like acrylic does. Or so that's been my experience.

 

[Midrats]

My poly lid that is identical to my acrylic lid does not warp.

 

[cromag27]

It absolutely would, in a side by side test. again, polycarbonate is not as rigid as acrylic. it is a softer material.

It's may as rigid but it does not warp under the weight of gravity like acrylic does. Or so that's been my experience.

 

[cromag27]

If you guys actually took the time to look up the flexural strength of both acrylic and polycarbonate, then you'd understand better?

 

[melev]

It absolutely would, in a side by side test. again, polycarbonate is not as rigid as acrylic. it is a softer material.

I don't agree with you. I use Polycarbonate (1/4" thick) for all overflow cover lids and it stays true despite the moisture beneath. These lids are on all three of my tanks' overflows.

It cuts completely different from acrylic on my tablesaw, it almost chatters through the blade. I'd say acrylic is softer based on how either type cuts (but I have nothing to back that statement)... plus acrylic absolutely will absorb some moisture which leads to the warped look we all have encountered.

For the original poster's request though, a piece that big will bow due to gravity and temperature variances between the 79F water and the room temperature. It might be better to make a wooden frame with a screen, and paint it to avoid water damage. It may not look all that great though.

 

[cromag27]

Wrong. read all of my posts. the truth is in there, somewhere.

I don't agree with you. I use Polycarbonate (1/4" thick) for all overflow cover lids and it stays true despite the moisture beneath. These lids are on all three of my tanks' overflows.

It cuts completely different from acrylic on my tablesaw, it almost chatters through the blade. I'd say acrylic is softer based on how either type cuts (but I have nothing to back that statement)... plus acrylic absolutely will absorb some moisture which leads to the warped look we all have encountered.

For the original poster's request though, a piece that big will bow due to gravity and temperature variances between the 79F water and the room temperature. It might be better to make a wooden frame with a screen, and paint it to avoid water damage. It may not look all that great though.

 

[cromag27]

You guys are trying to argue with science and physics......and it's hilarious. :)

 

[lemonyx]

For the original poster's request though, a piece that big will bow due to gravity and temperature variances between the 79F water and the room temperature. It might be better to make a wooden frame with a screen, and paint it to avoid water damage. It may not look all that great though.

It would sit on the euro brace (2 cut outs) and be supported some what, :eek: Don' have to worry about the sagging anymore euro brace it on the top. :mad::confused::D

 

[cromag27]

Huh? I never said anything about bowing due to temperature between 79 degrees and the ambient? I don't even know what that means.

Gravity can effect both materials.

For the original poster's request though, a piece that big will bow due to gravity and temperature variances between the 79F water and the room temperature. It might be better to make a wooden frame with a screen, and paint it to avoid water damage. It may not look all that great though.

It would sit on the euro brace (2 cut outs) and be supported some what, :eek: Don' have to worry about the sagging anymore euro brace it on the top. :mad::confused::D

 

[BluewaterLa]

You guys are trying to argue with science and physics......and it's hilarious. :)

No argument here just curiosity
How does acrylic absorb water ?
Please explain this as it holds water without leaking or seeping
Maybe I missed something or not understanding

 

[Luna]

Cromag08 - how much for a 40 breeder size one?