Aquarium lids

[Ab129]

I am using glass lids right now on my 75 and was considering switching to screens. I haven't been able to find a screen setup that I like mainly because I like the hinged lid that I can just flip to feed without taking the whole thing off.
Thought about making my own custom lid and then another idea popped into my head. Would I be able to drill holes in my glass lids or would they likely shatter?
And if it is possible how many holes do you think I would need to drill?

 

[nereefpat]

Usually the glass lids are tempered. You can check with some polarized sunglasses.

If you don't mind spending some money, artfully acrylic makes some nice covers. I think they can add feeding doors, etc.

 

[afroshacks]

Just use egg crate or something similar. If you want it to be able to remove for feeding, do it in 2 pieces so the front piece can just be raised and slid over the back then just slide it back. If you really like to be creative you can cut it in 2 pieces and figure how to add a hinge.

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[nereefpat]

Just use egg crate or something similar.

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As long as the fish you are trying to keep from jumping are thicker than 1/2" in diameter.

 

[sde1500]

I use egg crate, a small fairy wrasse did manage to jump through it. I have a firefish that likely could fit but so far hasn't jumped. If I ever choose to redo it, I'm using these guys. http://artfullyacrylic.3dcartstores.com/

 

[Ab129]

Those lids from artfully acrylic look really nice but $200 is a bit steep.
Looks like egg crate or acrylic for me.
If I were to use a piece of acrylic and drill say 1/4 inch holes in it how many holes would be adequate for a 48"x18" piece.
Obviously I am not looking for an exact number but are we talking 50 holes or 100?

 

[afroshacks]

The more open the top of your tank is the better gas exchange you will have. Just lay it out and put as many holes as your heart desires. More most definitely won't hurt

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[Crusinjimbo]

I put together an acrylic top using 3/16" acrylic sheet cut 1/2" smaller than the populous area of the tank and used acrylic "œL" type connector (like this you see in displays in department stores). I had to loosen the fit on the connectors (sand paper) so they easily fit over the glass edge and the acrylic sheet. The sheet can be lifted up and off or slid off the end leaving the connectors on the glass. The lid sits about 1/2" above and 1/4" inside the rim of the tank. I made a smaller one with smoked acrylic for the filter area of the AIO 13.5G. Great lid. Ceiling fan creates sufficient blow to mitigate lid condensation. Been in place for a couple of weeks with no noted bowing but it is only a 12" x 18" sheet. I have extra L connectors to add if necessary. The whole thing cost me about $40 custom cut and delivered.

 

[UnderCoverDork]

Air exposure is important for gas exchange and helps keep temps cool.

i personally go top-less

 

[billdogg]

A simple DIY screen top made from window screen frame and 1/4 or 1/8" mesh from BRS is a great option. Easy to make and budget friendly.

I made the ones for my 120 in all of 15 minutes. I made two sections for each side - a thing back section so that power head wires can be passed through and then just left in place, and a large front section that easily lifts off. I feed pellets right through them without any problems. For frozen I lift up a corner so that it doesn't get stuck in the mesh.

Drilling enough small holes in glass tops to actually have any purpose will be difficult if not impossible without breaking them into pieces. Even if you could, it will weaken the glass to the near-breaking point.

Eggcrate, as mentioned above, is useless for keeping most reef -sized fish in the tank. IMHO, they use the square openings as targets in their little games. It is also properly called Lighting diffuser. Do you really want to diffuse the light you pay dearly for and more than absolutely necessary? Don't get me wrong - it works fine on a Fish Only tank where total lighting really doesn't matter - I used it on my 150 for a couple decades, but I was pretty certain that the 4' Moral couldn't fit through the holes.