I am using the light diffuser as a temporary cover on a 60g tank with no center brace. the tank is 4' across and the plastic is flexible enough to dip in the middle. I put a piece of wood across the center to brace it underneath. I then put different sizes of spare glass I had lying around on top and put the light on that. It's worked so far but looks lousy, I will have to make proper lids for the tank.
Center and side braces with strips of glass siliconed on the edges to act as shelfs to place lids on. This makes a much cleaner look and cuts down on humidity in the house.
Center and side braces with strips of glass siliconed on the edges to act as shelfs to place lids on. This makes a much cleaner look and cuts down on humidity in the house.
My 50g also has a brace (3" strip) of glass running from front to back and along the sides of the tank. There is also a brace (4" strip) running down the center from front to back. The lids are 3/8" thick glass. Underneath each brace is a 1" wide strip of glass that is placed along the bottom edge with 1/2" siliconed to the brace. This leaves a 1/2" ledge for the 3/8" thick lids to sit on flush. Hope this helps.
My 50g also has a brace (3" strip) of glass running from front to back and along the sides of the tank. There is also a brace (4" strip) running down the center from front to back. The lids are 3/8" thick glass. Underneath each brace is a 1" wide strip of glass that is placed along the bottom edge with 1/2" siliconed to the brace. This leaves a 1/2" ledge for the 3/8" thick lids to sit on flush. Hope this helps.
How about using this plastic fluorescent lighting grid? I'm thinking of trying it. This would be cut to fit just like the stock hood with the light just sitting on top. I'd probably have a cut across the front somewhere so I could remove a section to get a net in etc.
Anyone tried this? (I'm sure many have) How does it look and work out?
EDIT: I just had a thought on this... the grid could also be used to hang stuff from above.... maybe some types of plants/vines? Driftwood? Hmmm, could be interesting.
Yes, the lids are inserted between the braces, held up by the edge of the glass strips siliconed to the braces beneath.
I have tried light diffuser (egg crate) before and it tends to sag in the middle of a 4' tank. If there is a center brace, it should work fine. I still put glass on top of the eggcrate to keep any water from splashing onto the lights (my iridescent shark sometimes freaked out).
