Oscar broke Glass....Again

[BVUBeavers]

So I have a 9" Oscar that has now broken the glass canopy again. I assume he just rams it and it is a clean break. So now after ordering my third replacement aquarium lid...I have to ask is there a better option than ordering glass lids? Would plexiglass work better and if so does anyone know where I could buy a plexiglass lid - preferably hinged - for a 48"x18" aquarium?

 

[StarGirl]

You probably could have them cut you some plexiglass at like Home Depot or a hardware store. You could maybe use the hinge from the glass lid?

 

[BVUBeavers]

You probably could have them cut you some plexiglass at like Home Depot or a hardware store. You could maybe use the hinge from the glass lid?

Yeah that is my fall back if there aren't any pre-made. He literally broke it clean in half but of course not above the center brace - it had to be on the rear left side of the tank so I am holding the broken piece in place with duct tape until I get the replacement.

 

[Lakefish]

Plexiglass will sag over even a fairly small span. If you are handy, perhaps you could build a frame to fit over the top, with 1/4" galvanized steel mesh on the lower side and glass lid on top, with a bit of space between. Something like that.

 

[Spinich]

The plexiglass cut at home depot was going to be my recommendation.

If it sags, you can frame it with wood/pvc or (depending on size) cut 2 equal pieces instead of one. That will cut the weight/size ratio 1/2.

 

[BVUBeavers]

The plexiglass cut at home depot was going to be my recommendation.

If it sags, you can frame it with wood/pvc or (depending on size) cut 2 equal pieces instead of one. That will cut the weight/size ratio 1/2.

I just ordered two pieces of plexiglass equal length and width. I will use the hinge that came with my last glass lid and fit the plexiglass into the hinge with superglue. If it sags, I can frame both pieces with wood. Worse case if it doesn't work I can order a new glass lid with 4 day delivery. I have jumpers so I just have to have something in place. Both the Oscar and the Acaras like to jump if given the opportunity.

 

[Spinich]

That sounds perfect! Let me know how it turns out. I have done this for a few tanks that came without lids. Cheap/perm solution! Nice, you have Acaras too? I used to have a jumpy Arowana, put books on-top of the plexiglass to keep him in!

 

[BVUBeavers]

That sounds perfect! Let me know how it turns out. I have done this for a few tanks that came without lids. Cheap/perm solution! Nice, you have Acaras too? I used to have a jumpy Arowana, put books on-top of the plexiglass to keep him in!

Yes if I were to rank order my fish it would be my Oscar, then my two remaining Blue Acaras (I had two males and a female but one of the males jumped out of the tank through an absurdly small opening). I have other stock in the tank but those three are just awesome - both personalities as well as looking great. I have two full grown Firemouths (both males) - I suspect one of them spooked the Acara out of the tank because they are basically a holes.

All my other fish are peaceful - Rainbow shark, 2 bns, and 2 striped raphael catfish.

 

[Spinich]

Sounds like a great community! Sorry to hear about the female, that sucks. I had a big firemouth with a Jack Dempsey for a long time, they were buds. When the Jack died, he followed a few days later. It wasn't sickness, all the other fish were fine. I really think he died of loneliness. Yes, they are normally aholes. Sounds like a great tank with some cool fish, bud!

 

[ProudPapa]

I just ordered two pieces of plexiglass equal length and width. I will use the hinge that came with my last glass lid and fit the plexiglass into the hinge with superglue. If it sags, I can frame both pieces with wood. Worse case if it doesn't work I can order a new glass lid with 4 day delivery. I have jumpers so I just have to have something in place. Both the Oscar and the Acaras like to jump if given the opportunity.

If it sags another option would be to get thicker plexiglass and new hinges. Maybe something like these: Amazon.com