Aquarium Canopy Issues

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Guitarman1

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 9, 2010
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United States
I have an older 90 gallon aquarium with one of the glass canopy sections broken. Despite my best effort, I can't find a same sized replacement for this older aquarium.

For that reason, I've decided to make the replacement myself. For several reasons, I would prefer using Plexiglas to the original glass, but I don't know if there are any reasons that Plexiglas would be a bad idea for this purpose relative to the original glass.

In addition, whereas the original is 1/8" glass, I am considering making the replacement based on 1/4" thick material. Putting the issue of costs of materials aside, any potential problems in what I've proposed here?

Any input would be appreciated.

Rob
 
If you again use 1/8" glass you can reuse the old hinge and simply buy new glass. Depending on how the old one broke you will likely only need to replace one piece of glass...


Plexiglas is far more impact resistent than glass which makes cracking/shattering far less likely, but Plexiglas bends quite easily. The 2' span required for a divided 4' tank will likely allow even 1/4" Plexi to sag.

You will also need to find/buy a hinge that suits the thicker material...


I've tried using Plexi and similar plastic tops before but the bowing effect quickly convinced me it was worth sticking to glass.
 
your lfs or drsfosterandsmith.com can make em for you.
 
Thanks. One of the questions in my mind was if it might sag if made of Plexiglas. I wanted to get away from the thin glass because it already broke once, but I know it would be a lot cheaper just to replace the single piece of broken glass. That's still in consideration. I've been hopeful 1/4" tempered glass would be much less likely to break, though. I found a site on line that sells 1/4" plastic, snap on piano hinges and a good clear acrylic pull that I suspect I could readily cement to either glass or Plexiglas with acrylic cement, so I think I could make something better than the originals. Maybe it's overkill. I don't know. As far as getting them from one of the companies you mention, Iloveoscars 702, do you mean they would sell the cut glass to fit or they would manufacture the whole canopy? I wonder how the expense would compare to just buying the hinges and pulls and cutting them to fit on my own and paying a local glazier to cut the glass pieces to fit. Anyway, I think I'll go to one of those sites and check it out. Thanks, again.

Rob
 
you can cut to size sheets of acrylic. which can be found at home depot or a craft store.
 
In my tank i tried using plexiglass and it eventaully ended up warping up on both ends and being a waste of money. Call a glass shop and price it out both ways. Plexiglass IMO is a short term fix. Glass will be worth the few extra bucks. And will look much better, not discolor, and last much longer.
 
Great, thanks. I was wondering about the acrylic discoloring under the lights, too. My questions have been answered. I'm going for glass.
 
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