DIY Options For an Aquarium Lid?

[Spaghider]

First of all, I’m a first time poster (have had this account for a few weeks though) so hello forum!

With that out of the way, I’ve been looking for a good DIY option for an aquarium lid. I’ve been trying to find a good lid for my tank (12” x 6” x 8”), but I’m nervous they won’t fit. So I thought that if I made a DIY lid, I could properly customize and size it  it to ensure the lid would fit! Are there any easy options?

Edited March 16 by Spaghider
another slight typo

[Tlindsey]

On 3/16/2024 at 3:48 PM, Spaghider said:

First of all, I’m a first time poster (have had this account for a few weeks though) so hello forum!

With that out of the way, I’ve been looking for a good DIY option for an aquarium lid. I’ve been trying to find a good lid for my tank (12” x 6” x 5”), but I’m nervous they won’t fit. So I thought that if I made a DIY lid, I could properly customize and size it  it to ensure the lid would fit! Are there any easy options?

Some cut a sheet of polycarbonate for a lid. If you have a Lowe's or HomeDepot check them out. @Spaghider

[Spaghider]

That seems like it should work! Would it be pre-cut or would I have to cut it myself?

[Tlindsey]

On 3/16/2024 at 4:17 PM, Spaghider said:

That seems like it should work! Would it be pre-cut or would I have to cut it myself?

Tbh not sure but they may possibly cut it for you. @Spaghider

[HelplessNewbie]

We use greenhouse sheets, as mentioned above. Cory has a youtube video on this.

Here is a photo of mine (lid was lifted a little because I had some airline wedged in there): https://forum.aquariumcoop.com/topic/33733-helplessnewbies-20g-planted-tank/?do=findComment&comment=321291

Edited March 18 by HelplessNewbie

[Rube_Goldfish]

On 3/16/2024 at 4:17 PM, Spaghider said:

That seems like it should work! Would it be pre-cut or would I have to cut it myself?

I cut mine with a utility knife (though it might end up using up all of a new blade).

[Tanked]

If your only purpose is to keep the fish in, than light diffusers 'egg crate' used in ceiling fixtures are easy to cut for <$20. 

You can add water and feed the critters without removing the lid.  Don't buy the shiny chrome version.

[Bsquared]

Second for the twin wall polycarbonate (greenhouse) sheets. They come in 2'x4' sections and can be customized however you want to cut them. I cut them to rough size using a circular saw and then used a utility knife to cut slots for cords and filters. 

[anodyne99]

I have gone through various types of glass and acrylic sheeting lid options. At first I was buying sheets off of the internet and cutting them myself, but I found it too difficult to control the blade to get the precise cuts I wanted. I also found that the 1/8 inch sheets I bought bowed when exposed to the warm water of my aquariums. I ended up finding a plastics store near me that would custom cut 1/4 inch acrylic sheets. They will do cutouts and drill holes for airlines and easy lifting as well. With the 1/4 inch thickness there is no bowing and the insulation is terrific. I do have one custom cut glass lid, but don't like it as well as it's much heavier, more awkward to work with, and there is always the worry that I will bonk it the wrong way and  shatter it. 

[rgb_aquarium]

Try the picture frame aisle from Walmart.

 

Edited March 27 by rgb_aquarium

[johnnyxxl]

Check the ones I made using polycarbonate very nice ones