plexiglass cover?

adam & jeanne

adam & jeanne

Member
just curious if i would be able to buy some plexiglass and make a cover for my 55 gal. maybe be able to customize it to include hinged portions to feed and other things. I am needing some more room. ive got a 48" strip light w 2x65w pcs. the two covers i have now do not allow the strip to sit completely flush against the covers and it also inhibits me from being able to operate the hinged portions of the old covers.
 
krusk

krusk

Member
hi
I have 1/4" Plexi Glass for my 55 G bought from Home Depot
I think they are easy to ben, I would recomment the 1/4" over 1/8"
I cut it to the size using Black & Decker power saw
good luck
 
maryc137

maryc137

Member
WE also used the 1/4 inch from Home Depot. Don't get the thinner stuff because even the 1/4 inch stuff warps a little. I have an acrylic so I only needed pieces to sit on the top, but I'm sure you could make a complete lid with hinges.
 
wxv102

wxv102

New Member
My education includes degrees in plastic & mechanical engineering. I have spent a few years manufacturing sumps, aquariums and the likes from acrylic. Including bending acrlyic to make displays and aquariums. I would advise against using acrylic for a cover especially if you have any light fixtures directly on the aquarium. Acrylic warps because temperature differences cause one side of the plastic to grow faster than the other side. Thicker pieces may warp less SOMETIMES depending on the difference in thickness. Acrlic does allow light to transfer thru better than glass, but it is a much better insulator. This might cause more elevated temps. In my opinion glass would be better. If you wanted to place something over the tank to hold lights; try some light diffusion grating (egg crate stuff) foun at Lowes and Depot for a couple of bucks.
Just some thought,
Bill
 
byrself

byrself

Member
also, be careful about the hinges. don't get something that's prone to rust. my roomate made that mistake on his. <img src="graemlins//uhuh.gif" border="0" alt="[U-Huh]" />
 
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