Help with glass tops on open top 240

[loganh83]

I am looking at buying a 240g (96x24x24) but the top is completely open without center braces. The tank will be for my big male Dovii. I also want the ability to house a silver aro one day after the dovii so I need solid tops. Any ideas? I've thought about having 4 squares of tempered glass cut that would sit on top but I'd have to lift one off to refill the tank and feed etc. If I used acrylic squares I could cut a hole in one and install a swivel flap/cover over the hole but I'm concerned about acrylic sagging in the middle, especially if I put something heavy on top to hold the tops down. Maybe solid glass for most of the tank and an acrylic piece that is 12x24 that I could lift off easily when needed.

Any ideas?

 

[freak78]

That's a heck of a span with no center brace. Is it glass or acrylic?

 

[loganh83]

Its 3/4 inch glass

 

[DN328]

I have a similar situation, but have crossed braces. I used glass lids as well. Here's a picture to get an idea...

 

[loganh83]

Thanks

 

[Drstrangelove]

You could get two 48x24 canopies. http://www.thatpetplace.com/marineland-perfecto-glass-canopy-48in-24in

You might still need bracing.

Acrylic, poly carbonate, glass are other options but what is the correct thickness? And you will still need to add bracing unless you get very thick and expensive panels.

 

[loganh83]

I considered the canopies you mention, but without a center brace, the middle would be unsupported and the flex at the hinge would cause it drop droop badly at best.

The more I think about it, the more I am leaning toward 2 39x24x1/4 glass panes and one 18x24 acrylic pane to lift off for feeding and adding water. Any thoughts?

 

[DN328]

Why not just drill holes on the glass lids?. That's what use for feeding and filling.

 

[Drstrangelove]

I considered the canopies you mention, but without a center brace, the middle would be unsupported and the flex at the hinge would cause it drop droop badly at best.

The more I think about it, the more I am leaning toward 2 39x24x1/4 glass panes and one 18x24 acrylic pane to lift off for feeding and adding water. Any thoughts?

In theory that works, but I wonder how well an unsupported 1/4" glass panel can handle a 24" span. Especially if any weight is placed on it. You might still want minimal bracing of some sort. The acrylic (if it is also at 1/4") is likely to warp even if it doesn't bend over a 24" span.

If they were braced, I think it would be more likely to work.

 

[loganh83]

Can I build a brace into a tank that did not originally have one?