DIY Lid Project

[cjbrown24]

I know this hobby is expensive, but just couldn’t bring myself to spend 300$+ on a polycarbonate lid. So I turned to my other expensive hobby, my CNC machine!

Made a channel to put some window screen spline to hold clear aquarium mesh. Just waiting for the mesh to get here tomorrow to finish putting it together.

Minus the CNC machine I’m in about 65$ for the polycarbonate sheet, 1/4 aquarium mesh, and some spline. Not too bad!

 

[Raptor72]

Nice. Please don't be a bad influence and get me started on another expensive hobby?

I highly recommend using the black mesh. It has a lot less glare and is almost invisible. I usually get mine from BRS but am looking for a closer supplier.

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

I know this hobby is expensive, but just couldn’t bring myself to spend 300$+ on a polycarbonate lid. So I turned to my other expensive hobby, my CNC machine!

Made a channel to put some window screen spline to hold clear aquarium mesh. Just waiting for the mesh to get here tomorrow to finish putting it together.

Minus the CNC machine I’m in about 65$ for the polycarbonate sheet, 1/4 aquarium mesh, and some spline. Not too bad!

Close friend of mine is using his cnc router to cut mine, I designed in a feeding port for each side, Used carbide create software for mine. Since you have the CNC get creative with the designs. I had one cut out of 1/4 inch acrylic also just to see if it would hold up.

 

[TheFunnyFarm]

I’m doing something similar but don’t have access to a CNC after going out on my own, so I’m plotting it out full scale from CAD and cutting with handheld router.

I’d suggest accommodating for some form of access door for cleaning, especially if you plan to keep jumpers.

You can buy acrylic hinges and threaded screws from Amazon. I’d recommend drilling (or at least locating with pilot point) the screw holes for accuracy.

You should look into planning for a feeding port too. I’ve engineered around one with an integral froze food defroster:

Frozen Feed Cage and Mesh Lid Portal Bundle - Etsy

This Aquariums & Tank Decor item by MaddReef has 17 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Mesquite, TX. Listed on Aug 25, 2024

www.etsy.com

 

[cjbrown24]

Got the netting put in. Measurement or something was off for the spline and didn’t want to really snap in so I encouraged it with some super glue lol. Not quite as clean looking as I wanted but gets the job done. Like you guys said in hind sight probably should have added a feed door or something but I really just wanted a simple design. It’s easy enough to just lift up the front a bit for access into the tank.

 

[pochito413]

I know this hobby is expensive, but just couldn’t bring myself to spend 300$+ on a polycarbonate lid. So I turned to my other expensive hobby, my CNC machine!

Made a channel to put some window screen spline to hold clear aquarium mesh. Just waiting for the mesh to get here tomorrow to finish putting it together.

Minus the CNC machine I’m in about 65$ for the polycarbonate sheet, 1/4 aquarium mesh, and some spline. Not too bad!

I have been looking to do this. I have a 24x24 cnc that i just got and am now learning how to use it. Can i ask what software you use to design yours?

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

I have been looking to do this. I have a 24x24 cnc that i just got and am now learning how to use it. Can i ask what software you use to design yours?

I used Carbide Create

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

I’m doing something similar but don’t have access to a CNC after going out on my own, so I’m plotting it out full scale from CAD and cutting with handheld router.

I’d suggest accommodating for some form of access door for cleaning, especially if you plan to keep jumpers.

You can buy acrylic hinges and threaded screws from Amazon. I’d recommend drilling (or at least locating with pilot point) the screw holes for accuracy.

You should look into planning for a feeding port too. I’ve engineered around one with an integral froze food defroster:

Frozen Feed Cage and Mesh Lid Portal Bundle - Etsy

This Aquariums & Tank Decor item by MaddReef has 17 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Mesquite, TX. Listed on Aug 25, 2024

www.etsy.com

 

[Overstocked Nano]

What thickness polycarbonate did you use and how did you cut out those corner clips to mount to tank?

 

[Bruttall]

$20 aluminum frame screen kit from Amazon with clear mesh. for a 24 x 36 inch screen top. I have 2 of them total.

 

[Aquagasm]

Hey guys, I'm trying to build my own polycarbonate lid. I've had someone cut out the frame for me and now I I just need to attach the mesh. Just wanted some advice ok how I could attach it?

I was thinking just slap it on with some silicone.. But I want to make it neat tbh lol

 

[code4]

I know this hobby is expensive, but just couldn’t bring myself to spend 300$+ on a polycarbonate lid. So I turned to my other expensive hobby, my CNC machine!

Made a channel to put some window screen spline to hold clear aquarium mesh. Just waiting for the mesh to get here tomorrow to finish putting it together.

Minus the CNC machine I’m in about 65$ for the polycarbonate sheet, 1/4 aquarium mesh, and some spline. Not too bad!

Where did you buy the polycarbonate from? Looks great!

 

[TeapotMaster]

Got the netting put in. Measurement or something was off for the spline and didn’t want to really snap in so I encouraged it with some super glue lol. Not quite as clean looking as I wanted but gets the job done. Like you guys said in hind sight probably should have added a feed door or something but I really just wanted a simple design. It’s easy enough to just lift up the front a bit for access into the tank.

Revisiting this. How did you get the netting so taut?

 

[Yon reefs]

very cool need to revist as well as this is helpfull