Plexiglass Lid

[kit]

Hey All, i'm thinking of buying a sheet of acrylic/ plexiglass to cover the top of my tank. I figure it will costs less then a new hood. Rough dimensions are 48 inches wide by 18inches long.

Any suggestions on how to design it?

-Is it better to use 2 pieces that run vertical (24"x18) or horizontal (48"x9")?

-where is the filter best located? Middle or one side of the tank/and heater on the other side?

-What thickness of plexiglass should I use too?

Any tips would be also appreciated.

[fishmanty]

My tip is go glass

I broke a piece of my 90gallon top,and wanted a new top made for my bowfront and speedy glass took 1 day to make them both, and it cost me $27 ($12 of that was just for the appointment)

I find plexi expensive and harder to clean. Only bad thing about the glass is you can't cut notches into it, you have to take off clean straight or slightly rounded cuts... makes life harder. But if you can get ur hands on some of the plastic that people use on the glass tops that you can cut for filters and stuff, you'd be set. If you are in Calgary, there are a few aquarium makers to try, other than that, you can find it hopefully from a local privately owned aquarium store, online, or direct from a wholesaler.

The filter and heater are purely users choice. You pick where you want them... and then tell us, and we can give you a run down if thats a good or bad idea. Also, include the type of filter, if there will be powerheads, etc.

[Static]

I used 1/8th inch plexi on my freshwater tanks for a while, but they sagged bad, I'd suggest using atleas 1/4 or gluing on some supports to stiffen it up.

[Kabong]

I use plexi on my 50. So 2 1/8 pieces about 18" by 18".
It has a center brace so it only spans about 12" unsupported.
It does bow a bit but not to the point where it touches the water or anything.

If you got a dremel or a rotozip and a drill its simple to work with and you can custom cut it to exactly what you want. As well as cut out spots for filter's, light legs, cords.

[digital-audiophile]

Call me simple, but I use eggcrate to cover my aquariums.

[kari]

wet side = long side, hense the horse shoe piece of acrylic.

[Paverdude]

If you are in Calgary, there are a few aquarium makers to try
Who? links?