I have been using this for lids for years and it works great. I usually cut the back corners on a 45 degree angle to run wires and airline through, just don't cut too much out or it creates a jump hole. I use my table saw and my 12 inch slide miter box saw to make the cuts clean and accurate.
If you clamp a carpenters square or a metal yard stick as a guide for cutting across the ribs, it makes it easier. I do that when cutting plexi because I cannot cut a straight line free hand to save me life. I’ll be running to the hardware store and picking up some of this sheeting tomorrow. My shrimp keep jumping out and it’s driving me insane.
Hmm, so probably 0.16 per what I see on Amazon. I am looking to cover a few long, low, rimless tanks... Figure 3ft long x under 10" .. wondered if would sag/ bend.
It would depend on which why you have the ribs running on the sheet itself. Run the rib long way and it shouldn’t sag. Run them short ways possible sag but also unlikely.
As long as the material you are using is less than 1/2 an inch or so, so it will stay in the channel, cut 2 pieces that are 2/3 of the total length and just let them slide open over or under the other one. Uses more material, but you save on hinges/glue.
Cheers from my fish room in Chicago! Happy to support the MK and subscribe. The DIY lids are a sweet hack. Nice job.
funny video. cool editing. subsribed. lol ..... I use a table saw to cut that though. works like a charm.
I have been using this for lids for years and it works great. I usually cut the back corners on a 45 degree angle to run wires and airline through, just don't cut too much out or it creates a jump hole. I use my table saw and my 12 inch slide miter box saw to make the cuts clean and accurate.
I'm gonna give it a try thanks for the video 👍
Do they bow once under the light for awhile? i used some acrylic glass cut to fit and just ends up curved.
I haven’t had any issue with that at all.
I found my band saw works wonders for cutting all my lids
If you clamp a carpenters square or a metal yard stick as a guide for cutting across the ribs, it makes it easier. I do that when cutting plexi because I cannot cut a straight line free hand to save me life. I’ll be running to the hardware store and picking up some of this sheeting tomorrow. My shrimp keep jumping out and it’s driving me insane.
Does the tank need to breath?
Is it pretty much a full seal
You don’t want the lid to fit tight because then you won’t get any air exchange. Also it’s easier to open if it’s a little loose.
Awesome thanks for the feedback
Keep it up!
Use a jig saw. So easy. Better then the knife. Also cut a little square and a bit bigger rectangle and make handles.
Do you know the mm / thickness of the panel?
I believe the thinnest one the sold. I’m not 100% what it was to be honest.
Hmm, so probably 0.16 per what I see on Amazon. I am looking to cover a few long, low, rimless tanks... Figure 3ft long x under 10" .. wondered if would sag/ bend.
It would depend on which why you have the ribs running on the sheet itself. Run the rib long way and it shouldn’t sag. Run them short ways possible sag but also unlikely.
Did I miss where you said what kind of material it is? You just said greenhouse material, as far as I heard... is it polycarbonate? Or something else?
Polycarbonate. It’s the double wall greenhouse siding.
@mkfishnfarm thank you! I thought so, but wanted to be sure!
As long as the material you are using is less than 1/2 an inch or so, so it will stay in the channel, cut 2 pieces that are 2/3 of the total length and just let them slide open over or under the other one. Uses more material, but you save on hinges/glue.
Didn’t you block of the holes all round the sheet, with aquarium silicone to stop algae or water getting in, that’s what I done, far better.
Great idea! I think I would go with something a bit more rigged though, it seems to flimsy for my liking
Actually very sturdy. The ribs in between the 2 layers make it very sturdy. It’s used for outside greenhouses so I’d assume could hold up long term.
Tried to find online. No luck. Anyone have a link to this material?
Menards is where I found mine.
I did exactly the same. So much cheaper.
Tin sheers would work better & quicker