DIY tank tops

[Austy16414]

If you don't want to burn a hole in your pocket over tops, here's a cheap, but effective, alternative. I purchased an 8' by ~2' piece of polycarbonate roof panel from Lowe's for 20 bucks, cut it down to size with shears, cut out holes for HOBs and other filtration, and boom.. tops. This size piece is enough for 2 sets for a 55 gallon, or one set on any tank up to a 210 (possibly bigger too, as long it's not more than 8 feet long or 26 inches wide). Here's a link for the roof panels at Lowe's.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_73140-1115-1418A_0__?productId=3043439&Ntt=polycarbonate+roof+panel&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dpolycarbonate%2Broof%2Bpanel&facetInfo=

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[40GallonsOfDoom]

Would those not filter out good light from the tank?

[Austy16414]

That's a good question. It only filters out the UV light, so unless you want algae or have a planted tank, it won't be a problem

[rmalford]

Wow! Half the price of glass tops yet half as good?

[Austy16414]

How does one judge the performance of an aquarium top?

[bilwith1l]

I've been using plexiglass and it keeps warping. I have to flip it every couple days. just wondering how that stuff holds up

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[Austy16414]

This holds up much better. I used plexi on my 40B and it was a pain, this stuff is tough

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[rmalford]

How does one judge the performance of an aquarium top?

Like this:

I've been using plexiglass and it keeps warping. I have to flip it every couple days. just wondering how that stuff holds up

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[Austy16414]

These are polycarbonate, not plexiglass

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[rmalford]

[Kimfoleyz]

Unless the tops are made of Gold and Silver, they really do nothing more then keep a fish in the darn tank LOL Use screen and you will get the same result as a 40-50 , piece of glass. Thanks for the tip Austy =-)~ They can take it or leave it. ( Mom to the rescue ) ROFL!!!!

[KhmerStyle]

I've been using plexiglass and it keeps warping. I have to flip it every couple days. just wondering how that stuff holds up

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Your plexiglass is probably too thin. Try using 1/4 inch thick.

[KhmerStyle]

These are polycarbonate, not plexiglass

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Pretty much same thing

[SunnyHouTX]

Your plexiglass is probably too thin. Try using 1/4 inch thick.

1/4" from Lowe's/HD warps too man. I believe polycarbonate might warp less though. The two are different types of plastic

[Austy16414]

Pretty much same thing

False. They are two totally different plastics, used for a variety of different applications

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