Acrylic lid

R

reeferwanabe

What size (thickness) acrylic do I need that will not warp under led lights?

Pic of current lid.
[attachment=0]uploadfromtaptalk1367854119333.jpg[/attachment]
It's about 1/8" thick.

Sent from my Galaxy Note 2 using Tapatalk 2
 
The glass type [smilie=rofl.gif] But seriously, I'm pretty sure all acrylic of a reasonable thickness will bow when it gets wet and warm. Why do you need the lids?
 
What if the lid was pulled more towards the front of the picture... There would be more surface area for the lid to touch and less to bow... Is that a option?
 
If glass is out, I would try Polycarbonate (Lexan). I believe it's melting point higher than most acrylics.
 
@FiberglassMonkey wrote:
What if the lid was pulled more towards the front of the picture... There would be more surface area for the lid to touch and less to bow... Is that a option? said:
Not an option. There are small openings and the lids barely cover the openings with little room to move around.
Click to expand...
 
@Titus wrote:
If glass is out said:
Glass is an option, but I need it to be removable to feed & maintain the tank/fish. I don't want it to break easily as my son may feed them as well. If I can attach a handle on the glass and be thick enough where it will not break or too heavy to move, then this may be the right option to go.
Click to expand...
 
What I did was put a 2" strip 90 degrees across the middle (long way) of the acrylic

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
 
@fusionvi wrote:
What I did was put a 2" strip 90 degrees across the middle (long way) of the acrylic Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2 said:
2" thick? If so, that may be too thick to clear my light.
Click to expand...
 
No, 2" tall glued full length like ribs. You could try 3/8" thick material, but I have a feeling it will curl as well.

The reason the acrylic is bowing is more likely due to the moisture on one side. I'm sure the heat on the opposing side is also a part of the situation as well. I use black acrylic to cover my overflows, as this stops algae from growing in there. Every month, I take them off and rinse them clean, then flip them over on the opposite side so they will bend the other way.

Perhaps since you are doing this to protect against jumpers, you could fabricate some screening instead.
 
@Marc wrote:
No said:
Great idea on the screening! I should even have some laying around. Curious how I should attach it to the ends, either use wood or acrylic. I want it to still look nice and function, and not block any light.

Sent from my Galaxy Note 2 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
 
People are using window screen material (nylon, not metal) in aluminum frame. Others buy fishnet screen that is plastic based, and comes it black or even semi-clear. 1/2" holes are standard, 1/4" holes are much better at keeping fish in the tank. If you can't find 1/4", you can use several layers of 1/2" to crisscross the openings and keep the holes small.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top