Tank Lids- Diy

I am currently trying to make some lids for my tanks. I have the following tanks to cover:

Four (4) 2.5g 12x6x8
Three (3) 10 gallon 20x10x12
Two (2) 20 gallon 24x12x16
One (1) 20 gallon 30x12x12
One (1) 29 gallon 30x18x12
Two (2) 40 gallon 36x18x16
One (1) 55 gallon 48x13x21
One (1) 120 gallon 48x24x24

Can someone suggest ways I could achieve this without having to pay $30+ per lid from the pet store?

Thanks!

 

I am currently trying to make some lids for my tanks. I have the following tanks to cover:

Four (4) 2.5g 12x6x8
Three (3) 10 gallon 20x10x12
Two (2) 20 gallon 24x12x16
One (1) 29 gallon 30x18x12
Two (2) 40 gallon 36x18x16
One (1) 55 gallon 48x13x21
One (1) 120 gallon 48x24x24

Can someone suggest ways I could achieve this without having to pay $30+ per lid from the pet store?

Thanks!

get polycarbonate roofing panels from a hardware store! can cut to size with scissors

 

I use the egg crate light covers for office lights, about $12 a panel.

 

I use the egg crate light covers for office lights, about $12 a panel.

you mean the mesh looking panels?

 

you mean the mesh looking panels?

Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing.

4 ft. x 2 ft. Suspended Light Ceiling Panel

 

Thanks for the tip. I'm trying to minimize the amount of evaporation or at least trap most of it inside the tank.

 

Thanks for the tip. I'm trying to minimize the amount of evaporation or at least trap most of it inside the tank.

Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing.

26 in. x 8 ft. Polycarbonate Roofing Panel in Clear

then this would be better

 

You can cut acrylic sheets to size. Might need a band saw and sandpaper to smooth the edges (what I did).

 

You can cut arcrylic sheets to size. Might need a band saw and sandpaper to smooth the edges (what I did).

I was looking into that option until I found out Home depot and Lowes around my way no longer cut acrylic or glass. I don't know the first thing about using power tools.

 

I have too much heat build up most of the year with standard solid hoods.

 

Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing.

26 in. x 8 ft. Polycarbonate Roofing Panel in Clear

then this would be better

I like this idea. Will go to my local home depot tomorrow to look at this.

 

I was looking into that option until I found out Home depot and Lowes around my way no longer cut acrylic or glass. I don't know the first thing about using power tools.

You can try looking for someone else who knows how to use a band saw and get them to help you cut it. Or you can use the scoring method to cut the acrylic and sand it down.

 

I have too much heat build up most of the year with standard solid hoods.

So I should leave an opening in the back or something?

 

I used 3/16 thick clear acrylic for my 36 gal. bow front. The polycarbonate and overhead lighting panels are fantastic ideas, though they can be quite flimsy. Not to mention, if proper lighting is important for your aquarium, you cannot beat the clarity of acrylic!

I chose acrylic for the properties mentioned above; clarity first, and rigidity second. Proper lighting is imperative for my planted tanks, and I’m just not comfortable with anything flimsy on top of my tanks. Just my own preference.

It’s very easy to cut with a jigsaw, and cuts straight with a guide fence. I used a high tooth count blade for very thin metal (36 TPI). And I even cut little tabs with some of the leftover pieces, and used acrylic glue to create a handle for lifting the lid!

Keep us posted with what you choose to use and how it worked out for you!

Good luck!

 

No matter what material you use there will have to be some type of holes in the back for filters, heater cords, etc..

 

Get lots of window screen frame. It's cheap. Get some mesh like this it may be expensive but its far cheaper in the long run. Don't forget corners. Get some spline for $3 at Lowes. Make as many lids you want.

 

I used 3/16 thick clear acrylic for my 36 gal. bow front. The polycarbonate and overhead lighting panels are fantastic ideas, though they can be quite flimsy. Not to mention, if proper lighting is important for your aquarium, you cannot beat the clarity of acrylic!

I chose acrylic for the properties mentioned above; clarity first, and rigidity second. Proper lighting is imperative for my planted tanks, and I’m just not comfortable with anything flimsy on top of my tanks. Just my own preference.

It’s very easy to cut with a jigsaw, and cuts straight with a guide fence. I used a high tooth count blade for very thin metal (36 TPI). And I even cut little tabs with some of the leftover pieces, and used acrylic glue to create a handle for lifting the lid!

Keep us posted with what you choose to use and how it worked out for you!

Good luck!

I wish I had the tools and knowledge to use acrylic.

 

I wish I had the tools and knowledge to use acrylic.

I wish I lived closer to Maryland lol.

I was just in your position one month ago and came up with my solution, so I can relate to the struggle.

Acrylic really is so easy to cut! As I said, a simple jigsaw with the right blade, and a simple straight edge to use as a guide for a straight cut is all you need. It’s as easy as cutting paneling for remodeling a room in your house. If I didn’t have what I needed, I’d ask family or friends for a little help. Cheap solutions for your dilemma will always be just that.
The lid for my 36 gal. bow front cost me under $12 for the acrylic! And I had a piece leftover big enough for my 10 gal. tank, too!

That’s an awesome deal considering a glass lid for the 10 gal. alone is more than that!

 

I wish I lived closer to Maryland lol.

I was just in your position one month ago and came up with my solution, so I can relate to the struggle.

Acrylic really is so easy to cut! As I said, a simple jigsaw with the right blade, and a simple straight edge to use as a guide for a straight cut is all you need. It’s as easy as cutting paneling for remodeling a room in your house. If I didn’t have what I needed, I’d ask family or friends for a little help. Cheap solutions for your dilemma will always be just that.
The lid for my 36 gal. bow front cost me under $12 for the acrylic! And I had a piece leftover big enough for my 10 gal. tank, too!

That’s an awesome deal considering a glass lid for the 10 gal. alone is more than that!

The struggle is real!

 

I am currently trying to make some lids for my tanks. I have the following tanks to cover:

Four (4) 2.5g 12x6x8
Three (3) 10 gallon 20x10x12
Two (2) 20 gallon 24x12x16
One (1) 20 gallon 30x12x12
One (1) 29 gallon 30x18x12
Two (2) 40 gallon 36x18x16
One (1) 55 gallon 48x13x21
One (1) 120 gallon 48x24x24

Can someone suggest ways I could achieve this without having to pay $30+ per lid from the pet store?

Thanks!

I went thru this earlier this year. I found that DFS has the best prices on Aqueon VersaTops and went with them. Only good if you have Aqueon tanks as different manufacturers have different exact measurements for the top ledge where the tops sit.



They don't have 2.5g tops but 10 gallon are $10 ea, 20 gallon tall is $13, 20 gallon long is $17, 55 gallon is $35. Petco carries 40 gallon breeder tops for $35.You might be better off DIY'ing the 120g.

 

If you go with acrylic, make sure you get extruded acrylic and not cast. I didn't know at the time and got cast and it warps when exposed to moisture. It was also more expensive than getting VersaTops from DFS.