DIY Custom Lid for Square Glass Tank. Can Acrylic be Siliconed to Glass?

[Jimmi]

I’m asking for suggestions for a DIY aquarium top.

I recently bought a used 90-gallon square aquarium. The dimensions are 30” L x 30” D x 25” H. The glass thickness appears to be 10mm. Is it okay to silicone acrylic to glass? I’m considering using a 6” piece of acrylic in the middle of the tank, then attach two, 12” pieces of acrylic with hinges to each side of the center acrylic. If I went with glass, I could not be as creative.

Ideas?
Thank you.

 

[KrisReef]

Silicone doesn’t adhere properly to acrylic. The thing will fall apart

 

[Tavero]

Is it okay to silicone acrylic to glass?

You can, but don't expect this connection to have any strengh. Silicone adhers very badly to acrylic.

 

[Jimmi]

You can, but don't expect this connection to have any strengh. Silicone adhers very badly to acrylic.

Any other substances besides silicone to join acrylic to glass? Maybe I should re-think a glass top.

 

[Tavero]

Any other substances

I am sure there are some, but they also need to be reef safe, resistant to high ph salt water and create flexible long lasting bonds... maybe some stuff made by NASA

 

[Rtaylor]

It makes a decent bond as long as you don’t need it to be really strong, like the walls of a large tank. In fact, a lot of AIO tanks use acrylic for the AIO divider with glass walls and it performs fine on smaller tanks. For your application, it should be fine. Not to mention, the risk of loss or damage with your application were it to fail is minimal. I wouldn’t worry about it.

 

[Jimmi]

It makes a decent bond as long as you don’t need it to be really strong, like the walls of a large tank. In fact, a lot of AIO tanks use acrylic for the AIO divider with glass walls and it performs fine on smaller tanks. For your application, it should be fine. Not to mention, the risk of loss or damage with your application were it to fail is minimal. I wouldn’t worry about it.

Just before I read this, I realized the plastic overflow is attached to the glass. Looks like silicone to me.

 

[Tavero]

plastic overflow

Probably ABS. You can glue ABS and PVC with silicone but not Acrylic, PP, PE or PET. I wanted to make a small sump out of Acrylic and only had silicone at home. At the beginning the bond was decent, but i ended up never using the tank and left it in my garage. After two years i picked up the tank while cleaning and it fell apart in my hands.

 

[T-J]

While I can't speak to the adhesion properties of acrylic and silicone, I personally wouldn't cover the top of the tank with glass or acrylic. Traps too much heat and will get covered with a film of water and salt creep, obstructing your light.
Have you considered a mesh/screen top ?

 

[Jimmi]

Anyone know of companies that could make a custom lid? Would probably be very expensive.

 

[Rtaylor]

Anyone know of companies that could make a custom lid? Would probably be very expensive.

They are crazy expensive. You can always get one of the diy screen kits.

 

[Jimmi]

While I can't speak to the adhesion properties of acrylic and silicone, I personally wouldn't cover the top of the tank with glass or acrylic. Traps too much heat and will get covered with a film of water and salt creep, obstructing your light.
Have you considered a mesh/screen top ?

I don't like the evaporation factor for a tank with no lid. Also, this adds humidity in my living space. I admit I'm being rather fussy here. (-:

 

[Jimmi]

They are crazy expensive. You can always get one of the diy screen kits.

Ya know, (you gave me an idea) I could get the DIY screen kits and lay glass or acrylic over it to reduce evaporation.

 

[Rtaylor]

Just get the rim clips to rest the acrylic on. You’ll want to keep the width to 12-18” to avoid sagging of the acrylic (depending on thickness of acrylic). Also keep in mind it will affect your lighting as well. Like these:
16pcs Aquarium Fish Tank Glass Cover Clip Support Holder,Clear Color Acrylic Fish Tanks Glass Cover Clip for Rimless Aquariums(6mm) https://a.co/d/3agVFbl

 

[Jimmi]

Just get the rim clips to rest the acrylic on. You’ll want to keep the width to 12-18” to avoid sagging of the acrylic (depending on thickness of acrylic). Also keep in mind it will affect your lighting as well. Like these:
16pcs Aquarium Fish Tank Glass Cover Clip Support Holder,Clear Color Acrylic Fish Tanks Glass Cover Clip for Rimless Aquariums(6mm) https://a.co/d/3agVFbl

OMG. These rim clips look like they will work fantastically. I'm placing an order now.
Thanks so much.

 

[Rtaylor]

OMG. These rim clips look like they will work fantastically. I'm placing an order now.
Thanks so much.

No problem

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

Silicone bonds acrylic to glass just fine. All you need to do is prep the surfaces and make sure they are clean and oil free. The clips are a good way to go. Stay away from acrylic though. It will eventually bow. Use polycarbonate (lexan) it won't bow. We could have made your lid for you. Very reasonable price too. >>> https://www.tenecoraquariums.com/collections/glass-tank-lids-unbreakable-lexan®

 

[cdnco2004]

You can get GE Brand 100% Silicone caulk. They carry it at Home Depot. https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-10-oz-Silicone-Cartridge-GE-55/202038071 This stuff works amazing to join acrylic to glass. No need to create rough edges or anything else. Just make sure glass and acrylic clean and apply the GE 100% caulk. This stuff holds well.