jimfish98
Active Member
After waiting a long time for this to come in, it finally came in to see it first hand and get it on the tank.
Clearview itself is pretty clear upfront that it takes time, what every option costs, etc. They emailed if they had a question, sent good CAD drawings the first time, and whenever I wanted an update, within 24 hours I had a response. They package the lids very well for shipping and it came without issue.
Lid wise we can start with the cons. Lids come pre-done with screen and if the exo pieces are not locked in and 100% level before they screen, you have to undo it to correct it as the spline holds the misalignment in place. I had insert lids done and both pieces needed trim work on the cut outs to pick it up, where the brackets were, and along the edges. It was not clean cut and it impacted how well it sat in the brackets on the frame. It is an easy fix with a razor blade at an angle. Center bracket was not lined up, again simple shift. The other issue I found was that it sagged in the center on my WB 130.4 from the weight of the inserts. Pics attached will show the sag and other issues noted. The sag is due to no support on any side of the over flow box. I am going to have to attach something there to keep it supported fully.
Positives are the looks. Going from the cut it yourself black frame lid to this was a big step up in looks. I am using the tank for FW and the Ranchu spawn almost every three weeks so the lids are a nice change as well. The feeding doors will work great for the auto-feeder when I am away on vacations. The black frames on the standard list absorb light and I found this lets light through but bounces some back which adds a nice glow to the room as well.
In the end its a nice lid that visually looks well and has nice function. I wish it was cleaner cut, more supported at the overflow, and assembled with the one piece in flat given the wait time and costs of these lids. Is it worth it...mixed feelings due to the price.
Clearview itself is pretty clear upfront that it takes time, what every option costs, etc. They emailed if they had a question, sent good CAD drawings the first time, and whenever I wanted an update, within 24 hours I had a response. They package the lids very well for shipping and it came without issue.
Lid wise we can start with the cons. Lids come pre-done with screen and if the exo pieces are not locked in and 100% level before they screen, you have to undo it to correct it as the spline holds the misalignment in place. I had insert lids done and both pieces needed trim work on the cut outs to pick it up, where the brackets were, and along the edges. It was not clean cut and it impacted how well it sat in the brackets on the frame. It is an easy fix with a razor blade at an angle. Center bracket was not lined up, again simple shift. The other issue I found was that it sagged in the center on my WB 130.4 from the weight of the inserts. Pics attached will show the sag and other issues noted. The sag is due to no support on any side of the over flow box. I am going to have to attach something there to keep it supported fully.
Positives are the looks. Going from the cut it yourself black frame lid to this was a big step up in looks. I am using the tank for FW and the Ranchu spawn almost every three weeks so the lids are a nice change as well. The feeding doors will work great for the auto-feeder when I am away on vacations. The black frames on the standard list absorb light and I found this lets light through but bounces some back which adds a nice glow to the room as well.
In the end its a nice lid that visually looks well and has nice function. I wish it was cleaner cut, more supported at the overflow, and assembled with the one piece in flat given the wait time and costs of these lids. Is it worth it...mixed feelings due to the price.
