Using an aqueon 20g tall for an ATO

[cba191]

Does anyone make acrylic lids for this application? has anyone used a tank for an ato?

 

[tsharpe291]

ive used a 20 gallon tank in the past for an ato, I bought a piece of acrylic from the depot
and made my own lid. the acrylic will bow though.

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

the acrylic will bow though.

I use acrylic for a cover on my DT. I made all cutouts symmetrical, so when the bow becomes pronounced, I take it off, wash it, flip it over and reinstall it. Good for another week.

 

[UncommonSense]

Does anyone make acrylic lids for this application?

I’d just get an off the shelf glass lid, they can’t be built for as cheap as they sell them for these tanks… also, a glass lid won’t bow!

Smaller glass, and acrylic tanks make excellent ATO containers, and are frequently used!

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

Does anyone make acrylic lids for this application? has anyone used a tank for an ato?

Don't want hinged glass? Available at PetSmart:
Top Fin® Aquarium Hinged Glass Lid
https://www.petsmart.com/hoods-and-glass-canopies/top-fin-aquarium-hinged-glass-lid-82989.html

 

[cba191]

I’d just get an off the shelf glass lid, they can’t be built for as cheap as they sell them for these tanks… also, a glass lid won’t bow!

Smaller glass, and acrylic tanks make excellent ATO containers, and are frequently used!

are lids tempered?

 

[UncommonSense]

are lids tempered?

Usually, no!

Also, they typically are designed with plastic extensions to let you use them with a HOB filter! (The glass lid is narrower than the tank opening, leaving a gap the tank width at the back)

 

[cba191]

Usually, no!

Also, they typically are designed with plastic extensions to let you use them with a HOB filter!

excellent!

 

[Red_Beard]

I use an aqueon 10 for my ATO. Also built an acrylic lid. It does bow, but if you brace it up that bow becomes negligible. I also 3d printed hinges and used 416 stainless tig rod for the hinges so they don't rust, but a glass lid would be super easy too.

 

[UncommonSense]

Also built an acrylic lid. It does bow, but if you brace it up that bow becomes negligible.

I’ve seen numerous 3/8”-1/2” thick acrylic lids that bowed like bananas! I even once tried adding a 1” tall acrylic “spine” down the center… still bowed…

polycarbonate, on the other hand… that stuff’s awesome!

 

[UncommonSense]

I also 3d printed hinges and used 416 stainless tig rod for the hinges so they don't rust,

Have you ever looked into weld-on acrylic living hinges? They’re excellent for this sort of thing, and can be welded to polycarbonate, too!

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I use 5 gallon tanks for my ATO, I wish my cabinets had enough space for a 20 tall, I would love to use that.

As a cover to the ATO tank, I buy plastic drop sheets from Home Depot and cut them up and tape them onto the top of the tank, leaving an opening for me to refill it.

 

[Red_Beard]

Have you ever looked into weld-on acrylic living hinges? They’re excellent for this sort of thing, and can be welded to polycarbonate, too!

I have not, i will have to check those out!

 

[Red_Beard]

I’ve seen numerous 3/8”-1/2” thick acrylic lids that bowed like bananas! I even once tried adding a 1” tall acrylic “spine” down the center… still bowed…

polycarbonate, on the other hand… that stuff’s awesome!

PC is awesome, sucks to work though because it likes to shatter and chip. I sandwiched a few layers of 1/8 to make a spine, the light lid with the layered spine has held up pretty good for 5 or so years now.