Easy Solid Acrylic Tank Lid

[Sollo]

We ended up with a section of 1/4" acylic left over from a project at work so we cut our lid size to fit the tank and routed a few holes/openings for plumbing and feeding. On monthly service we will just lift the entire lid out of the way - here are a few shots of the acrylic.

[Dr. Awkward]

Have you set it up yet? If so, did you have any problems with warping under the lights? I ask because I've been having problems I was hoping 1/4 is thick enough to prevent the warping. Thanks.

[rolloffhill]

I had problems with mine warping under the heat of the lights on my big tank. T-12 VHO's put off a lot of heat though...

[AndrewH]

Very nice lid you made! You could even get a hinge set from the LFS. Simply cut the lid in half and apply the hinge kit ;). Very nice DIY project (Home Depot/Lowes carry acrylic/plexi-glass).

You can always put something between the lights and acrylic to allow additional air flow. A small fan would help as well to help keep the acrylic from bowing from the heat (of course that's assuming you don't have a 400 watt MH bulb 2" ways from the acrylic ;)).

[Sollo]

No bow as of yet - just put it on Saturday - didn't want to cut it and made a small round hole just for feeding. Wanted it simple.

As it all came from scraps (left over from another job) we took two other sections and cut openings for the lights to set into (different tank) and so far they are working out ok as well. the main reason is to slow down evaporation, otherwise I don't mind them being open on top.

Will have to post a few more pics later this week or so.

[flamenco-t]

Double it up, then you'll have twice as acrylic to bow under heat.

heat and acrylic are a no no....how else do you think acrylic fabricator bends acrylic ? I used either a heat tape or a heat gun.

stan