"Sticky" glass lid

[CharlieB55]

I have a hinged glass lid on my 20 long and it's so much of an improvement (IMO) over the old plastic ones with built-in fluorescent lighting. The only issue I have is that the accumulated moisture between the front panel edges and the inner lip of the tank effectively forms a seal. If I'm not super-cautious when I go to lift it, it makes a sort of "pock" sound that travels through the water and drives my oto's nuts.

I was thinking of maybe putting a few of those self-stick silicone bumpers on the inner lip or the bottom of the lid, but I'd have to shave them down so as not to keep the lid raised too high.

Has anyone had this issue, or any thoughts as to a solution?

Thanks!

-CB

[nabokovfan87]

You can use a bit of fine grit sand paper and soften up any sharp edges.  This will essentially add a chamfer and you incrementally decrease the lid size and get it to fit the way you want.  Maybe that is the best way!

I would also suggest checking the hinges and stuff out just to verify and make sure that you have it pressed in all the way to the plastic pieces.  I often find the back trim piece is the issue because it doesn't quite sit right in the back of the tank.  You can flip it and install it a certain way to make it easier, but I am always lifting the back of the glass panel to get it to slide in there right.

[Schuyler]

I've considered doing the little rubber bumpers do break the seal too. I have the same thing where you can see the condensation between the bottom of the lid and the top of the lip.

It does seem like there must be a good way to break that seal.

If you end up trying that you should share your results.

[CharlieB55]

Nabokovfan87: I checked and the fitment is fine, including the hinge and trim piece. There's enough leeway that none of the lid is actually "catching" on the rim. But I'll keep that sanding tip in mind since it might save me a future trip to the E.R. 😉

The first picture is sort of a cutaway depiction of the problem area. It only shows the contact between the lid and inner lips of the side rims. In reality, the "seal" extends all along the inner lip of the front rim too.

Well, I went into my "Hmm, I might need these some day" repository and found a bunch of little self-adhesive rubber squares from some old electronics project (second picture). I stuck one to each front corner and one in the middle of the of the lid. So far, so good - they eliminate the "hydraulic seal" and only keep the lid open a crack. But I have no great hope that the adhesive will survive long in a warm, moist environment.

I think my next step might be to fabricate a few clear plastic clips to fit over the frame and between the lid and lip. If I do, I'll be sure to update this thread.

And thanks to all who have responded or will respond.

-CB

 

 

 

Edited November 11, 2022 by CharlieB55