DIY Tank Lid, Need Ideas

[akitty6552]

I am in the process of building my own canopy for a 125 gallon tank. I am going to be using shop lights from home depot for my lighting. I originally was going to use eggcrate for the tank lids, but im afraid of moisture destroying the shop lights.

Whats the easiest way to make tank covers on the cheap? I've never cut glass so getting the supplies to do that might be too much $$$. Will plexi glass work?

The tank is [FONT=Arial, Arial, Helvetica]72 1/2 x 18 1/2 x 23 3/8. I'll need 3 24"x18 pieces.
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[oregonian]

i don't know how to link to another thread but if you search for diy glass tank lids check out Chompers thread. look awesome and seem pretty simple

 

[chesterthehero]

i use egg crate with strips of plexi (same size and the lights) with a canopy over that..

egg crate cuz it keeps the fish in the tank... plexi to keep water off the lights (shoplight from homedepot) and the canopy so i dont have to look at it

plexi is easy to cut (you dont really "cut" it you score it then break it).. you can use a box cutter OR they sell a tool at HD ($2) for cutting plexi... however ive never found the tool located where the plexi is (by the glass doors/windows).. for some reason its always over in the lighting section by the egg crate...

 

[ronin_man]

I am in the process of building my own canopy for a 125 gallon tank. I am going to be using shop lights from home depot for my lighting. I originally was going to use eggcrate for the tank lids, but im afraid of moisture destroying the shop lights.

Whats the easiest way to make tank covers on the cheap? I've never cut glass so getting the supplies to do that might be too much $$$. Will plexi glass work?

The tank is [FONT=Arial, Arial, Helvetica]72 1/2 x 18 1/2 x 23 3/8. I'll need 3 24"x18 pieces.
[/FONT]

i just actually built one almost exactly the same size and did not use anything to cover the shop light,
i put a small fan in to keep everything dry and so far(after 6 weeks)
nothing is even slightly damp,
check it out if you like, heres the link

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163606

if you want sizes of the boards and how it was done, PM me and i'll send you the info.

 

[Alan Russell]

I wouldn't try cutting glass. I've never done it either, but every mistake is money. Besides, Home depot and Lowes have sheets of plexi and acrylic that are easy to cut. i prefer acrylic. Plexi fades over times and becomes unclear from my experience.

I never had any issues with moisture on the lights. The problem I had was mildew developing under the canopy. I cut some acrylic covers and problem solved.