Help with Eggcrate top

[scopus tang]

Not a fan (what a mess) - but trying something new

. Made one of these for my 20g long tank at school - stupid thing droops from its own weight and sits down in the water

. Besides the obvious (should have made only two pieces rather than three) any suggustions for strenghting the structural integrity from those of you who have done this before?

 

[spanko]

Can't it be just one pc so all sides are supported?

 

[egill]

Just us 1 piece and you'd be fine

 

[scopus tang]

Ok thanks guys I'll try that. I was trying to be creative and make it so it could be opened.

 

[spanko]

Could it be two or three pcs and instead of cutting length cut it width?

 

[salt life]

I used 2 pieces, one for each side of my 75g, cut where i wanted my opening in front, then used 3 zip ties ( one on left, middle, and on right) and that holds and you can open it.

 

[mpdan]

does the eggcrate make a wierd look in the tank by blocking light?

 

[scopus tang]

I don't think so (although I kind of wondered that myself. Check this thread to get an idea.
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=349345

 

[mpdan]

doesnt look like there are any light issues in those photos

 

[salt life]

Originally Posted by mpdan
http:///forum/post/2942207
does the eggcrate make a wierd look in the tank by blocking light?
no it doesn't, i get more light with the eggcrate than i did with the glass tops.

 

[mpdan]

i can understand since the glass keeps some light out but do you get a wierd shadow in the tank like a waffle?

 

[king_neptune]

Zip tie a wooden dowel rod across the center. Shouldn't block any light.

 

[reeferrookie]

Cutting it width wise will give it much more strength. You will also get more evaporation with the egg crate than the glass top

 

[gmann1139]

+1 to Rookie and Salt Life.
The problem is that your run is too long and narrow.
Your cheapest solution now looks to be to ziptie the pieces together, so they gain strength that way.