Alternative to glass versa tops???

I HATE having a glass lid. I know people love them but they don't work for me... I tripped on my cat & stepped on one for starters, which shattered like uh, glass. Replaced it, the vinyl "hinges" are basically disintegrating (I didn't keep them terribly clean, if I'm honest, buildup, etc). I have a 75 gal fancy goldfish tank & I need to open/close/remove the lid a LOT for maintenance (and fun) I'm basically in the tank all the time. The lighting looks good with it I guess, but no better than it would I don't think & I don't have plants or anything. SO... I have a 48" florescent light strip because I didn't like the look of the extendable led one, and some clip in light strips. I have no clue where to get a hinged lid for a 75 gal even one without lighting. I just find that moving around (basically 4) large panes of wet glass is too risky. Plus there's the constant fear of "I slipped & the lid slammed shut." Plastic somehow? Plexiglass? Acrylic? Clear, black whatever, I just want the top to look clean, and as low profile as I can get it. I don't really trust myself to make one... Just need some thoughts on it.

(Even knowing someone has the same problems would help me, haha)

 

Following the lead of Cory from Aquarium Co-op, I bought some polycarbonate double-wall sheeting intended for use as greenhouse walls and roofing. You can get it in various thicknesses and sheet sizes. It cuts with most any cutting tool. Hacksaw would be my choice but you could probably use tin snips if you had to. Cut two panels and join them with plastic hinges you can get at Amazon. In no time at all you have a clear top that won't shatter. It probably will break if you step on it though, so I'd figure out some way to leave it on the tank and do what you need to through the open section.

I got mine from Greenhouse Megastore. Shipping and minimum quantities might be an issue. When I got mine they had available a single sheet of 4mm that shipped for a reasonable amount, but they've since changed so that product has a minimum of four units. That drives the price way up. They do have some "easy ship" ones that come in smaller sheets.

 

Would I be able to use the same hinges they use on the glass tops, that would be pretty straightforward. I'll check out Cory's video & thank you!

 

Here's the

on making these lids.

I got 20 acrylic hinges on Amazon for $10. They're similar to the one Cory used but a bit smaller. With two per lid they work fine. He used tape but I used acrylic glue to permanently bond them to the polycarbonate top. Then just glue on a handle and you have a hinged top.

(I bought 20 because they were cheap and I have enough polycarbonate panel to make about a dozen lids. I don't need anywhere near that many, but who knows what I might grow into.)

Most of the glass tops I've seen use a flexible strip of plastic that slip fits on the glass. I've never found them that secure and they will eventually break from wear. I'm sure the acrylic hinges will also wear out eventually, but I'm pretty sure it will be long after the strip of plastic gives out from over flexing.

 

Yes they do break and often. I've replaced them a couple times haha. I have a couple loctite glues/epoxys but they don't actually say acrylic should I get a specific type for that?

I have some saws & cutters/something to cut straight, a semI bench (maybe clamp it down?). So I just need the plastic, hinges & glue and I'm good?

 

I have some saws & cutters/something to cut straight, a semI bench (maybe clamp it down?). So I just need the plastic, hinges & glue and I'm good?

I would think so. I'd look for an acrylics glue. They weld the materials together, literally melting the surfaces, which allows the materials to form into one cohesive whole as the solvent evaporates. Once set the only way to get those pieces apart is to break them. Or you could probably get away with just using Super Glue. Apply the glue to one surface and lightly wet the other (run a damp cloth over it). When you put them together it will bond very tightly. If Cory made it work with double-sided tape, I'd think Super Glue would do the job.

 

Sounds like a plan. Thanks for your help!