DIY top for 40 breeder

[ajmckay]

Yesterday I finally built a cover for my 40 breeder in an attempt to reduce the excessive evaporation that I'm experiencing (2-3 gallons per day).

My material choices were glass or acrylic. I didn't feel comfortable using anything less than 3/16" glass to reduce the possibility of breaking should something (like my MH pendant) accidentally fall on it. Unfortunately at that thickness weight becomes a real concern. My tank is 50" high, so the weight would be considerable, that and I would need to smooth the edges out well.

My other option was acrylic. The consensus seemed to be that I would have a decent amount of sag unless I went with 1/2" thick acrylic. Unfortunately that thickness was cost prohibitive for the size I needed. So I decided to use 1/4" acrylic, cut into 2 equal pieces, and reinforced with a 1" strip glued perpendicular to the inside edge of each piece. What I ended up with was 2 roughly square pieces, 17-1/4" x 17-3/16", and 2 pieces 17-3/16"x1".

Note that I did a temperature test before deciding this. I left a thermometer on a piece of wood on my tank where the lid would be for about 2 hours. It never got above 100 degrees F. Because of this, I felt even better using the 1/4" acrylic (polycarbonate is sometimes used where higher temperature resistance is needed). Total cost for the acrylic and the hinge was less than $30.

For cable access ports I cut off the back corners (easier than cutting a piece out of the middle of an edge). For a feeding port I cut off one of the front corners, and used a hinge to attach the piece I removed to the lid. I'll also glue on a little tab to pull it up with.

Finally, before making a top like this you should evaluate the amount of surface area you have for gas exchange. I wouldn't do this to just any tank as reducing the gas exchange in a tank is a bad thing! I have a 30 breeder as a sump, which provides plenty of gas exchange. I also have a protein skimmer running all the time. If you don't have a sump, a reasonable alternative would be a 3/4 full top. In other words if your tank is 12" wide make the top only cover the first 9". Then you can cover the rest with egg crate or mesh netting to keep fish from jumping.

Here are pictures.







I'll keep posting to let everyone know how it's holding up..

[2pairs]

I hope it works out for you. I did one like this for a 20 gal high 24 x 12 and put 2, 1 inch by 1/2 inch braces over the length and it still sagged. Not enough to fall in but very noticeable. I found it not to be just the heat but the combination of heat and moisture.
I do hope this works, let us know after some time.

[ajmckay]

Thanks for the input 2pairs (of what?).

Something I just now thought of... If sagging becomes an issue over time I could epoxy a strip of glass to the top. This wouldn't do much at all in increasing the weight but should keep it from sagging.

How long did it last before it started sagging? Personally I don't care if it sags, but I just don't want to to fall in or touch the water surface.

[mf2055]

The top of my 240 is 1/4"-3/8" acrylic and it is bowing up toward the halides.....

[Maximini]

mad props you could sell those that is super professional looks great!

let us know how it goes im really curious

[2pairs]

Originally Posted by ajmckay

Thanks for the input 2pairs (of what?).

Something I just now thought of... If sagging becomes an issue over time I could epoxy a strip of glass to the top. This wouldn't do much at all in increasing the weight but should keep it from sagging.

How long did it last before it started sagging? Personally I don't care if it sags, but I just don't want to to fall in or touch the water surface.

(of what?).
I had built mine out of 1/4" acrylic (base) and 2 - 1/2" acrylic 1" high braces.

[grreefkeeper]

Originally Posted by 2pairs

(of what?).
I had built mine out of 1/4" acrylic (base) and 2 - 1/2" acrylic 1" high braces.

I think he wants to know what you have "2 pairs" of (i.e. clowns, dogs, etc).

[ajmckay]

Originally Posted by grreefkeeper

I think he wants to know what you have "2 pairs" of (i.e. clowns, dogs, etc).

Exactly

Thanks everyone for the comments. I'll let you know how it holds up. For now it's doing good and I can tell by the humidity level in my house that it's working!

Looks like I'm going to have to turn on the humidifier this year!

[2pairs]

That started back when I was raising seahorses and I had 2 breeding pairs that came to 2pairs.

[Jessemac]

Excellent job on those covers. I feel your pain on the humidity. My apartment is bad an I only have a 90. I'm losing about 1.5 gallons a day.

[muttley000]

Great Job, these look outstanding.