Making a top.

Maggie321 · 02/24/2018, 12:25 PM

I am a failure for my wrasse. Everyone said wrasses are jumpers. I was sure mine would stay in the tank. I was wrong. Twinkle Tail (a blue streaked cleaner wrasse) went kitchen floor surfing the other day and I just found him last night. I convinced myself he was hiding in a rock. I was wrong. Enough beating myself up. I am going to learn from this.

I have a uniquely shaped bowfront that the arch is deeper on than most common bowfronts. I have to make my own cover since I failed to do so before losing beloved fish. My plan is to make a rectangle screen for the part that is not on the bow and cut a piece of acrylic sheet for the bow and another piece to fit in all the nooks and crannies around the hob skimmer pipes and cords for the equipment in the back.

Does anyone have a better solution or any thing at all to improve on this idea?

I only have a small mimic tang (Ting Tang) and a tangaroa goby (OB1Goby) as far as fish goes in the tank now. Hoping Ting doesn't get bored and decide to follow his buddy to the kitchen floor while I make this.

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Vinny Kreyling · 02/24/2018, 02:48 PM

This might help. You would need more than 1.
https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/it...x?itemid=39298

davocean · 02/24/2018, 04:39 PM

Bummer to hear, yes most wrasses are jumpers, much more so than what you have remaining.

I like that piano hinge posted by Vinny, sure you can fab something from that maybe, and don't forget eggcrate for a quick fix, though the others should be less of a jumping issue.

There is a place called artfully acrylic as well that makes really nice tops, though they are not cheap.

Diana A · 02/24/2018, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinny Kreyling

This might help. You would need more than 1.
https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/it...x?itemid=39298

how would i attach that to a piece of acrylic sheet?

davocean · 02/24/2018, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diana A

how would i attach that to a piece of acrylic sheet?

Weldon, most acrylic suppliers will have it.

Maggie321 · 02/24/2018, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diana A

how would i attach that to a piece of acrylic sheet?

I was thinking the same thing! Along with Weldon, if you are attaching it to other material, I would think some nicely drilled holes with some high quality stainless steel nuts and bolts would be acceptable too.

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JTL · 02/25/2018, 09:52 AM

I would look into Artfully Acrylic for a custom cover. At least get a price from them. They are very nice looking and while a little pricey the cost of DIY adds up and would be nearly as nice.

Maggie321 · 02/25/2018, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTL

I would look into Artfully Acrylic for a custom cover. At least get a price from them. They are very nice looking and while a little pricey the cost of DIY adds up and would be nearly as nice.

I will. I just don't know how to measure and communicate the curve/shape of the arch on the bow.. I don't want to spend $ on something that won't fit... Maybe their website has some direction on this. Time for research!

Maggie

JTL · 02/25/2018, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maggie321

I will. I just don't know how to measure and communicate the curve/shape of the arch on the bow.. I don't want to spend $ on something that won't fit... Maybe their website has some direction on this. Time for research!

Maggie

They should be able to help you with the measurements.

Vinny Kreyling · 02/25/2018, 11:58 AM

IF you decide to go with Artfully a simple template could be sent to them for dimensions & the bow.

davocean · 02/25/2018, 01:04 PM

Yep, just trace onto cardboard or construction paper or something.

davocean · 02/25/2018, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maggie321

I was thinking the same thing! Along with Weldon, if you are attaching it to other material, I would think some nicely drilled holes with some high quality stainless steel nuts and bolts would be acceptable too.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

That would work too, just gotta be careful not to crack while drilling, and countersinking for screw heads to flush out.
Also keep in mind some stainless is poor quality and can still rust out.

ca1ore · 02/26/2018, 04:01 PM

I'm not sure what artfully acrylic uses, despite the name

, but acrylic warps like the devil. Most use polycarbonate sheeting (lexan) where warping is a potential problem.

Zalick · 02/26/2018, 06:28 PM

You could also try clear netting.

I prefer netting over a glass/acrylic top since it allows better gas exchange and does not get covered with salt creep etc.

If you are somewhat crafty, you could cut a pattern of the netting about an inch wider than the rim of your tank and then neatly tie-in/weave-in some weight to keep it sitting nice on the top.

davocean · 02/26/2018, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca1ore

I'm not sure what artfully acrylic uses, despite the name

, but acrylic warps like the devil. Most use polycarbonate sheeting (lexan) where warping is a potential problem.

The ones I've seen look like pretty nice quality, and I've not heard of warping issues, for most it just seems like price is the biggest issue, and too easy to DIY a net top, but for a bowfront or specific needs issue they are a good option.

homer1475 · 02/27/2018, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca1ore

I'm not sure what artfully acrylic uses, despite the name

, but acrylic warps like the devil. Most use polycarbonate sheeting (lexan) where warping is a potential problem.

I've often wondered about whether they would warp or not. I have never read anything saying they will long term.

Heck the cover on my overflow would look like a U if I didn't flip it from time to time.

spec33 · 02/27/2018, 02:13 PM

Yeah I tried to make a lid for my nano and in a couple of weeks the acrylic was a complete U lol

davocean · 02/27/2018, 05:19 PM

Sounds like you guys have not actually seen an artfully acrylic top.
We have a number of people in my local club that have had theirs long term w/out issues.

Diana A · 02/27/2018, 05:52 PM

I think the splice is on the bottom of the lid. That pulling of the netting from the bottom maybe why it doesn't bow in the middle

fijisrfr · 02/27/2018, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diana A

I think the splice is on the bottom of the lid. That pulling of the netting from the bottom maybe why it doesn't bow in the middle

No, it’s polycarbonate so it won’t bow
Love my AA lid!

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davocean · 02/27/2018, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fijisrfr

No, it’s polycarbonate so it won’t bow
Love my AA lid!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thanks for clarifying, I knew it was a nice quality build, just did not know exact material it was made from.

I always just make my own out of clear net, but if I had a bowfront or special needs tank, I think these are the prettier and cleaner option.

ca1ore · 02/28/2018, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fijisrfr

No, it’s polycarbonate so it won’t bow

Yes, that's what I would have thought. I guess 'artfully polycarbonate' just isn't as catchy a name.

fijisrfr · 03/01/2018, 06:07 PM

They also make tanks which I assume is the reason for the name!

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Maggie321 · 03/05/2018, 07:58 AM

Here's where I'm at so far. Don't have the hinge yet, I am making the bow part split in the middle. Easier on using up lexan scraps that way. I am using thin stuff right now, but I think I want to switch to the thicker stuff. This will work for now.

Maggie

Vinny Kreyling · 03/05/2018, 08:52 AM

Looking Good !

02/24/2018, 12:25 PM	#1
Maggie321 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 187	Making a top. I am a failure for my wrasse. Everyone said wrasses are jumpers. I was sure mine would stay in the tank. I was wrong. Twinkle Tail (a blue streaked cleaner wrasse) went kitchen floor surfing the other day and I just found him last night. I convinced myself he was hiding in a rock. I was wrong. Enough beating myself up. I am going to learn from this. I have a uniquely shaped bowfront that the arch is deeper on than most common bowfronts. I have to make my own cover since I failed to do so before losing beloved fish. My plan is to make a rectangle screen for the part that is not on the bow and cut a piece of acrylic sheet for the bow and another piece to fit in all the nooks and crannies around the hob skimmer pipes and cords for the equipment in the back. Does anyone have a better solution or any thing at all to improve on this idea? I only have a small mimic tang (Ting Tang) and a tangaroa goby (OB1Goby) as far as fish goes in the tank now. Hoping Ting doesn't get bored and decide to follow his buddy to the kitchen floor while I make this. Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

02/24/2018, 02:48 PM	#2
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	This might help. You would need more than 1. https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/it...x?itemid=39298 __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

02/24/2018, 04:39 PM	#3
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Bummer to hear, yes most wrasses are jumpers, much more so than what you have remaining. I like that piano hinge posted by Vinny, sure you can fab something from that maybe, and don't forget eggcrate for a quick fix, though the others should be less of a jumping issue. There is a place called artfully acrylic as well that makes really nice tops, though they are not cheap. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

02/25/2018, 09:52 AM	#7
JTL Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Venice Island, FL Posts: 2,532	I would look into Artfully Acrylic for a custom cover. At least get a price from them. They are very nice looking and while a little pricey the cost of DIY adds up and would be nearly as nice. __________________ John 100 gallon DT and 50 gallon sump with refugium. Reefbreeders Photon V2+.

02/25/2018, 11:58 AM	#10
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	IF you decide to go with Artfully a simple template could be sent to them for dimensions & the bow. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

02/25/2018, 01:04 PM	#11
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Yep, just trace onto cardboard or construction paper or something. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

02/26/2018, 04:01 PM	#13
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	I'm not sure what artfully acrylic uses, despite the name , but acrylic warps like the devil. Most use polycarbonate sheeting (lexan) where warping is a potential problem. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

02/26/2018, 06:28 PM	#14
Zalick My reef tanks my wallet Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Portland Posts: 571	You could also try clear netting. I prefer netting over a glass/acrylic top since it allows better gas exchange and does not get covered with salt creep etc. If you are somewhat crafty, you could cut a pattern of the netting about an inch wider than the rim of your tank and then neatly tie-in/weave-in some weight to keep it sitting nice on the top. __________________ 300g custom acrylic from James 72x36x27, 4 Mitras Lx7 &6 a360, 2 Stream 3s, C2C beananimal. 100g sump, Jebao DCP- 8000 (Vectra M1 died) -> 114w aquauv -> SRO 5000ext , varios8 return Current Tank Info: Me v Dinos - I'm winning for now...

02/27/2018, 02:13 PM	#17
spec33 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 120	Yeah I tried to make a lid for my nano and in a couple of weeks the acrylic was a complete U lol

02/27/2018, 05:19 PM	#18
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Sounds like you guys have not actually seen an artfully acrylic top. We have a number of people in my local club that have had theirs long term w/out issues. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

02/27/2018, 05:52 PM	#19
Diana A Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: New Jersey Posts: 682	I think the splice is on the bottom of the lid. That pulling of the netting from the bottom maybe why it doesn't bow in the middle __________________ diana

03/01/2018, 06:07 PM	#23
fijisrfr Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 594	They also make tanks which I assume is the reason for the name! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

03/05/2018, 07:58 AM	#24
Maggie321 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 187	Here's where I'm at so far. Don't have the hinge yet, I am making the bow part split in the middle. Easier on using up lexan scraps that way. I am using thin stuff right now, but I think I want to switch to the thicker stuff. This will work for now. Maggie

03/05/2018, 08:52 AM	#25
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Looking Good ! __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.