tank lid

[primfran]

currently have some warped acrlylic as a lid to my tank, but looks like crap. seen some people use eggcrate, but that seems like i would be going down the same path. does the eggcrate hold up better under lights, i mean not warp? the 2 openings are 28"x16" each and i have 220w VHO, 135w pc and 70w of t5 over them. want to do glass, but a little pricey. if eggcrate is cheaper and will hold up, i will go with that. open to any other ideas as well.

thanks.

 

[slice]

One of the main reasons folks use eggcrate or DYI mesh tops is to encourage gas exchange. Having either an acrylic or glass lid will hinder that exchange and can/will adversely affect your pH. Having anything at all on your tank is usually only to prevent carpet surfing of their fish.

I believe most folks here will strongly advise against any solid covering on your tank. The top of my tank is pure nekked.

 

[primfran]

i have an eel that would love to check out the shag. he cruises the surface looking for a hole. will eggcrate warp like acrylic? where do i get it?

 

[slice]

You can find white eggcrate at your local Lowe's or Home Depot. Black eggcrate (looks better, smaller openings) can be found here:
2' x 2' Squares of Black Egg Crate for Aquariums - English

BRS also has DIY mesh components which may be more to your liking as the holes can be made smaller by overlapping and crisscrossing the mesh:
Miscellaneous items - English

 

[gar732]

The eggcrate will diffuse your light some, I don't know if the black eggcrate would be any better or worse. I have the clear mesh on my tanks and its great, it's already saved my wrasses a few times. It's not very expensive or difficult to make.