Aquarium top material difference?

[epond83]

I like glass because i get a lot of hard water deposites and i can scrub it hard without worrying about scratching it.

 

[Fishermoe14]

Check out craigslist too, i found one of my 1/4" piece that's 24"x60" for free on there.. Plus there's always free sheets of glass too, just have to make sure it's the tempered glass and won't just shatter.. Just an option.

tempered glass shatters..

 

[rdbrown]

Lexan is a brand name acrylic. Lots of people tell me that acrylic lids will bow as they absorb water.

About 5 different people have told me its better to go with glass.

LEXAN is not a brand name of acrylic, it is a brand name of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate though it looks similar to acrylic it has a grayish tint to it and is much stronger then acrylic. Polycarbonate is used to make bullet resistant windows, sports bottles, drinking glasses etc. It is shatter resistant and has a higher temperature resistance then acrylic does.

I personally wouldn't use solid acrylic or solid polycarbonate for a tank top for two reasons, 1st it will warp unless it has strips welding on the edge to keep it from warping, 2nd hard water will deposit on it just like it does with the glass tops. It is much harder to clean the hard water off of it as it will scratch easier then glass. Oh, not to mention if you were to use metal halide lamps it would either melt or burn them.

 

[Pharaoh]

LEXAN is not a brand name of acrylic, it is a brand name of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate though it looks similar to acrylic it has a grayish tint to it and is much stronger then acrylic. Polycarbonate is used to make bullet resistant windows, sports bottles, drinking glasses etc. It is shatter resistant and has a higher temperature resistance then acrylic does.

I personally wouldn't use solid acrylic or solid polycarbonate for a tank top for two reasons, 1st it will warp unless it has strips welding on the edge to keep it from warping, 2nd hard water will deposit on it just like it does with the glass tops. It is much harder to clean the hard water off of it as it will scratch easier then glass. Oh, not to mention if you were to use metal halide lamps it would either melt or burn them.

Just in addition to this. Acrylic/polycarbonate will even warp if it is reinforced. I will post pics to show you if necessary.

 

[rdbrown]

If you are looking for a way to hinge the glass you can purchase plastic piano
hinge material from McMaster

 

[Acura_RSX]

thanks for the help guys!! im going to check out that hinge thing. i think you guys have me talked into just using the glass. which is good cause its cheapest!

 

[Acura_RSX]

If you are looking for a way to hinge the glass you can purchase plastic piano
hinge material from McMaster

this seems like a good idea. i dont fully understand how it holds the glass solidly but if its popular it has to work somehow. im confused as to how to find out which is for me on the site. anyone know enough about it to suggest an option on that site thats best for me?

 

[FSM]

Check out craigslist too, i found one of my 1/4" piece that's 24"x60" for free on there.. Plus there's always free sheets of glass too, just have to make sure it's the tempered glass and won't just shatter.. Just an option.

Tempered glass can't be cut

 

[rdbrown]

this seems like a good idea. i dont fully understand how it holds the glass solidly but if its popular it has to work somehow. im confused as to how to find out which is for me on the site. anyone know enough about it to suggest an option on that site thats best for me?

This may be easier for you, just make sure that you order the right hinge for the glass thickness you want to use.

All-Glass Versa-Top Replacement Pieces