I have a 120 gallon tank that I want to setup, but it does not have a top. Any suggestions of what to use? It's a old tank, so there is no model number to order one for it. Would plexi glass work, or should I have one cut out of glass?
Thanks,
Scott
Lord Blue
The Realms Of Blue BBS
blues.zapto.org
--- SBBSecho 2.12-Win32
* Origin: The Realms of Blue BBS *** blues.zapto.org (1:261/220)

I have a 120 gallon tank that I want to setup, but it does not have
a top. Any suggestions of what to use? It's a old tank, so there is
no model number to order one for it. Would plexi glass work, or
should I have one cut out of glass?

you can probably use anything for a top... plexi would be a good place to start... then you can notch it and even hinge it for a frontal area lift up door... plexi is the closest thing to a formed plastic cover you'll get without
a mold or finding one that fits that tank's dimensions...

glass would be too heavy, IMO...

)\/(ark


* Origin: (1:3634/12)

I have a 120 gallon tank that I want to setup, but it does not have a top. A suggestions of what to use? It's a old tank, so there is no model number to order one for it. Would plexi glass work, or should I have one cut out of glass?

I'd go plexiglass for both cost and weight reasons. It's also less likely to get broken and if it does, it wont leave glass shards in the tank.
xxcarol
--- SBBSecho 2.12-Win32
* Origin: SHENKS EXPRESS TELNET://SHENKS.SYNCHRO.NET (1:275/100)

On 06/29/09, Jeff Snyder quoted Scott Brown: 120 Gallon tank.

I have a 120 gallon tank that I want to setup, but it does not have a top. Any suggestions of what to use? It's a old tank, so there is no model number to order one for it. Would plexi glass work, or should I have one cut out of glass? Thanks, Scott Lord Blue The Realms Of Blue BBS

Hello Scott. Based on my own experiences over the years, while glass is
heavier than plexiglass, in the end, I believe that it is the better choice
for two reasons.

First, over time, if it is subjected to enough heat -- from aquarium lights, for example -- plexiglass will eventually begin to slowly warp.

Second, being as it is a type of plastic, over time, it will also begin to
turn yellow.

My advice is that you go to a local glass company -- unless you have
experience with glass cutting yourself -- and have them cut the right-sized panes for you, making sure that they smooth the edges properly, and glue on handles to each piece with non-toxic aquarium silicon.

Rather than make just one large cover, two panes -- or more, depending on
the front-to-back width of your tank -- is advisable. That way, you can
remove only what is necessary while cleaning out the tank.

Another option -- which I personally use on my main four-foot tank -- is to
not use a glass cover at all. This approach serves several positive
purposes:

1. Your aquarium water will stay cooler being as heat is not being trapped between the glass lid and the water surface, or being transmitted to the
water through the glass lids, which can conduct heat from your light
sources.

2. You will have a better gaseous exchange at the water level, being as
there is nothing there to trap the gases.

Of course, not using a glass cover also has its negative points as well,
such as:

1. Your livestock could possibly jump out if water conditions are poor, or
if they are excessively threatened by another tank mate.

2. The level of evaporation will be higher, which means you will have to top off the tank more frequently, particularly if the tank is situated in an air-conditioned room.

In the end, it is really your choice. The above are just some ideas for you
to consider.


Jeff Snyder, SysOp - Armageddon BBS Visit us at endtimeprophecy.org port 23 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your Download Center 4 Mac BBS Software & Christian Files. We Use Hermes II


--- Hermes Web Tosser 1.1
* Origin: Armageddon BBS -- Guam, Mariana Islands (1:345/3777.0)

My advice is that you go to a local glass company -- unless you have experience with glass cutting yourself -- and have them cut the right-sized panes for you, making sure that they smooth the edges properly, and glue on handles to each piece with non-toxic aquarium silicon.

Rather than make just one large cover, two panes -- or more, depending on the front-to-back width of your tank -- is advisable. That way, you can remove only what is necessary while cleaning out the tank.

I was thinking of 4 panes. I have a divider from front to back on the top of the tank. Then I would get the long plastic hinges to put the glass in so the front pane would lift up and the back part would stay down. I found that they have long plastic strips to put on the back of the glass also, so you can cut your tubing holes it that.

---------------------------
| | |
| | |
| | |
---------------------------
The above is kinda how the top is looking down at it.

Another option -- which I personally use on my main four-foot tank -- is to not use a glass cover at all. This approach serves several positive purposes:

I tried this before we moved and I had to give all my fish away, and I had to put way too much water in every week. I also keep the water lever down about 8 inches from the top to keep the fish from jumping out. :)

In the end, it is really your choice. The above are just some ideas for you to consider.

Thanks for the ideas!

Scott....
Lord Blue
The Realms Of Blue BBS
blues.zapto.org
--- SBBSecho 2.12-Win32
* Origin: The Realms of Blue BBS *** blues.zapto.org (1:261/220)