All Glass Canopies

[Dempseygunz]

the glass tops used on older (braceless) tanks had three peices.

two end peices (each with a 'lip' that the middle section sits in)

and a middle section which is the part that has two peices hinged together..

That is very confusing to me... I would really like to know how this is done. Maybe a picture or something?

 

[Dempseygunz]

Did you state that the bottom frame has a center brace?

You might try That Pet Place or GlassCages. They both can get aquarium frames.

Try your local LFS too if you have one. and by all means ....Google.

Make sure you have the measurements, as other manufacturers tops will probably fit yours.

You can also, as stated, fashion a center brace or top frame of your own using glass, plastic or wood. It all depends on the look you want and your manufacturing capabilities.

Yes, the under side of the tank has a thin center brace. How would I get the old frame off of the tank??

 

[Toddo]

Imagine the tank assembler just laying a bead of silicone around the top edge of the tank then setting that frame in place. Thats what you're trying to undo.

Use a razor knife and carefully cut underneath the edge of it. You'll wind up destroying the frame.

Just remember..don't apply prying pressure to the glass while doing this. i.e prying the frame off with a putty knife or screwdriver.

I would have the new frame in my hand before I started the removal process. But thats just me.

 

[12 Volt Man]

That is very confusing to me... I would really like to know how this is done. Maybe a picture or something?

I dont have a drawing program, but I can draw a pic on a paper and take a pic with my digital camera and post it tonight. I will also post pics of my old (braceless) tanks. I am pretty sure you can see some of the glass tops in some of my shots.

 

[12 Volt Man]

okay, you can see the glass top on the bottom 65g tank in this pic:

you can see green algae on the ledge where the middle hinged section sits (where the suction cup is)

there are two end peices, with a strip of glass glued underneath them that sticks out to create the ledge that the middle hinged peice rests on: this is how they had glass tops before braces became common place.

plastic braced tanks have only been made by the major companies since the mid to late 90's. prior to that, they all were made with no braces. these particular tanks (90 and 65) which bought in 93 and stayed setup until this past fall.

 

[Dempseygunz]

That seems like a good plan... My tank has had water in it for a while now and im not seeing any bowing. Its got 1/2 thick glass and seems to be very strong. I talked to Glasscages.com and they think if i get an acrylic lid under 1/2 it will bow.

 

[FUEGO]

From personal experience, don't use plexi glass because as you said it will bow from the heat of the water and lighting. I went to a glass cutter and had him cut glass covers to size for some of my aquariums.