Plexiglass aquarium covers

**Sonny Disposition** · 12-03-2009, 11:45 AM

OK. I've got a lot of tanks to cover. Most are sitting sideways, multiple tanks to a rack, with the lights suspended above. I don't like the hinged glass covers, as it's awkward to access them from the side. Plus, I'm clumsy and I break stuff a lot. It would be nice to have a single sheet of material that covers the tank, that I could just lift off when I needed to, and which wouldn't shatter if I knocked it off the tank accidentally.
I tried using sheets of Hardware store plexiglass to cover my fish tanks, but the plexiglass eventually warps and drops down toward the water. I've done some research and found that even the thicker sheets (1/4 inch) will warp if not reinforced.
Has anyone worked with a similar material that won't warp?
Or has anyone found a way to reinforce the plexiglass so that won't warp? I attached a three quarter inch strip of wooden molding horizontally across a plexiglass cover, fixing it in place with stainless steel screws, which I covered with aquarium sealant. It helped, but the cover is still warping at the edges.
Has anyone else gone the plexiglass cover route? If so, can you tell me what worked for you?
If I can find a system that works, I'll order a large sheet of material on line, then have it cut into individual sections and shipped to me.
Thanks.

**fishmaven** · 12-03-2009, 12:27 PM

To get the best answer you'll need to tell us why you wish to cover the tanks.

If the problem is moisture, you need a full top, rigid and clear. You won't like this but aquarium manufacturers use glass for a good reason… they haven't found anything better at anywhere near the price. Acrylic tank manufacturers haven't solved this either or their tank tops wouldn't bow over a short period of time.

If you're trying to prevent fish jumping from the tank or stuff falling into the tank you might consider fiberglass screen material enclosed in a frame of some sort.

If you do find a good solution please post it here for the rest of us.
Dan

**Mrfiremouth** · 12-03-2009, 12:37 PM

I agree with Dan, 1/4" glass lids is the best option for moisture control.
Everything else will warp as you noticed.
Pond netting works well for jumpers, but I am assuming this is about evaporation.
I also seriously suggest a humidity meter and that you control your moisture to avoid long term mold damage later on. Water vapor is not the fishroom's friend.

**dogofwar** · 12-03-2009, 1:08 PM

I actually use clear, under-the-bed style rubbermaids and tops. Some are set-up as dump filters...others are just sitting on top of my tanks. I light the room vs. the tanks so this works out well...

**Sonny Disposition** · 12-03-2009, 3:57 PM

Matt, I don't recall the Rubbermaid tops on your tanks. How closely can you get them to fit? Do they warp? Where do you get them? Can you post a photo?

Thanks.

**Sonny Disposition** · 12-03-2009, 3:59 PM

It's to control evaporation. I only have one tank with a Plexiglass cover. I can't remember when I've had to top it off. I can't say the same for the glass covers. Only the Plexiglass cover looks terrible because it sags. I turn it periodically, but I'd rather have a cover that held its shape. Even if I had to reinforce it with some other material.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrfiremouth

I agree with Dan, 1/4" glass lids is the best option for moisture control.
Everything else will warp as you noticed.
Pond netting works well for jumpers, but I am assuming this is about evaporation.
I also seriously suggest a humidity meter and that you control your moisture to avoid long term mold damage later on. Water vapor is not the fishroom's friend.

**Mrfiremouth** · 12-03-2009, 4:24 PM

You could use acrylic, with 1/2" ribs across the top to reinforce it.
It would be trial and error though.
The acrylic will be stronger than the plexi-glas

**Sonny Disposition** · 12-04-2009, 10:42 AM

Thanks Rick. What kind of material would you use for the ribs? How would you attach them?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrfiremouth

You could use acrylic, with 1/2" ribs across the top to reinforce it.
It would be trial and error though.
The acrylic will be stronger than the plexi-glas

**dogofwar** · 12-04-2009, 11:03 AM

Hi Bob,

Most of my tanks are 2'x2'x1'... and I've yet to find a 24" under-the-bed type storage container. Most are a bit over 22" wide.

For most I use a glass cover on the back of the tank and run two 1" pieces of wood from front to back on the tank. The rubbermaid (whether it's just a lid or a DIY dump filter) sits on top of this. It's not perfect but works pretty well.

Matt

**Mrfiremouth** · 12-04-2009, 11:13 AM

To DIY an acrylic lid, I would get the acrylic glue(actually melts the pieces together), a sheet of acrylic cut to the dimensions needed at 1/4" stock, and 1/2"x1/2" square stock for the ribs.

You can try 2 ways to reinforce it. First glue the acrylic square stock to the edge of your sheet stock to prevent the edges from curling, or use 3 pieces across the sheet stock, left to right to help.

I would try the edge techniques first and see how it holds up. Keep in mind, These products get pricey. Check with a local acrylic supplier for pricing