DIY Tank Cover

[segen77]

I just got a new 75G Oceanic, and I'm looking for a way to cover it safely so fish can't jump out, but leaving it asthetically pleasing. I have the 48" aqualight pro about 6 inches over the tank, so the material would have to handle the heat. Let me know if you have any suggestions.

Any pics would be great.

Thanks

[pilotrob]

i have a 40 gallon oceanic stretch hex that i covered with eggcrate (ceiling light diffuser panels). its easy to cut to fit with wire cutters and drops right in the lip and doesnt stick up at all. i have a 250W metal halide 10 inches or so above it. its also easy to remove or modify.

[Sugar Magnolia]

What Rob is using is pretty much what most will suggest. Placing acrylic or glass over the tank top will severly limit the gas exchange.

[gman0526]

I agree with the eggcrate suggestion, still you can find a super skilled jumper that might escape regardless. Also if you use eggcrate make sure you place it correctly to maximize light difussion.

[segen77]

I'll give the egg crate a try. I was just worried it would melt.

[segen77]

Hey everyone. I finally finished the construction of my Canopy. It's not stained yet, but it's up and functional. Let me know what you think (of the canopy, not the dirty tank...)

Here's the specs for the most part it was only about $70 to make.
I just went and got some oak, and six 80mm computer fans. I'm using an old 280W power supply to run them. If you have the room I would suggest larger fans maybe 120's, but I just didn't have the space. So, we will see how it ends up cooling. I figure that the light being another 6 inches up should help in anycase. I'm going to try to attach the pics, I tried to make them small, but who knows if that worked or not. All I really know to do to shrink them is to have the digital camera at the lowest res when taking the pics.

Let me know if you have any questions, or suggestions.

[gman0526]

Nice, very nice!!!!

[Doctor_Reef]

Looks very nice..... :thumbsup:

[segen77]

It seems to be working really well too. After having my lights on Full for 5 hours, I only saw the temp fluctuate from 79.0 - 79.9 at the highest. I checked it about every 30 mins. This is a vast improvement over the 3 deg change I was seeing. Now I just have to see how much the evaporation goes up. Either way, I'm sure it's better than having to shell out $500 on a chiller.

[Sugar Magnolia]

That turned out well. What are you going to use to finish it?

[segen77]

I'm not too sure yet. I bought some stain, but the color doesn't match up right. I also need to get some schlack, or something to seal it. Let me know if you have any suggestions.

Thanks

[TranZ]

looks great!!! i use waterproof stain on mine. u could also use waterproof paint on the inside and just stain the outside