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Post by parker002 on Feb 17, 2011 18:28:53 GMT -5
So I figured out an interim solution until I can find something better. I noticed that the plastic hinges from my Versa Tops were quite rigid and obviously they're also the exact width of my Lexan, so I took them off the broken glass and cut them in half, leaving me with 4 slotted strips. I then put a strip on the front and rear of both sheets - it DRAMATICALLY reduced the bowing for now.
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Post by Carl on Feb 17, 2011 19:03:24 GMT -5
I noticed that the plastic hinges from my Versa Tops were quite rigid and obviously they're also the exact width of my Lexan, so I took them off the broken glass and cut them in half, leaving me with 4 slotted strips. This is exactly one of the improvisations I have done in the past; although often not as exact a fit as the previous glass lid, it still worked well and prevented about 75% of the bowing Carl
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Post by parker002 on Feb 17, 2011 19:44:49 GMT -5
I have an All-Glass 55G that has the divider in the middle so I had the two Lexan sheets cut to the exact size of my Versa Tops - turned out to be a good decision. And since I bought 1/8" Lexan, the exact same thickness as the Versa Top glass, the strips fit snuggly and don't slide at all. It almost looks like they were made for it.
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Post by goldenpuon on Feb 18, 2011 20:16:58 GMT -5
I have been following this post and thought I would share some experience I have had with tops. (Note: This was with FW tanks only.)
When I first got my 40 gallon goldfish tank, I tried using a reptile screen to cover it. It was the flame resistant kind. Though I am unsure how much light could get in through the wire mesh, it did allow the tank to be somewhat topless in the sense light, air, etc could penetrate through the mesh.
I found this it useful for a while. However, the metal sides started to rust after 6 months to a year. I removed it after this in fear that flakes of rusty material would fall into the tank. I think the sides would rust even faster with salt water. However, with some improvising, this may work.
This is an educated guess for a good way to have a SW tank and have light come in.
Renee
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Post by parker002 on Feb 18, 2011 23:36:32 GMT -5
Well, the Lexan sheets are really not bowing at all now and they collect less than HALF of the condensation that the glass did. They also don't fog over like the glass did - I'm guessing it's because it has quite different heat conducting properties.
They're crystal clear and I love them. One of the best mods I've ever done. Thanks Carl!
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