Acrylic/mesh lid?
- Thread starter JDJP
- Start date
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Broadfield
Red Sea Reefer Consultant... Non Affiliated
What are the dimensions of the tank?
If you don't cut one piece, you're going to run into warping issues.
The dots are clear screws I use to attach the netting.
Is the screen attached with just silicone? That is super clean!! For ease of build and cost I'm still a fan of BRS mesh and screen door framing. Looks nice and finishes clean. That is unless you can make an acrylic too this dang clean. Lol
Yeah ive got the alluminum screen tops on my other tanks. Id love to get a couple clearview lids but they are really expensive and shipping is nuts. So im trying to see if i can diy with acrylic.
Pola0502ds
Zoa Addict
Can you provide some close up shots of the seams and screws. I AM going to do this! I have a bow front and this is the solution. I also have a cnc router at work that can cut it in one piece for me. I already have solid acrylic tops for the tank so i would just need to cut the hole in them and attach the screen.
Where do you get the screws? Use washers as well to attach the screen?
Pola0502ds
Zoa Addict
How did you tap the acrylic for such small screws?
Now you're asking me to give away my secrets!
There are no seams. I drill and tap each hole by hand. I don't drill all the way through, so it requires a special tap. look into polycarbonate as acrylic is more prone to warping due to moisture.
There are no seams. I drill and tap each hole by hand. I don't drill all the way through, so it requires a special tap. look into polycarbonate as acrylic is more prone to warping due to moisture.
Pola0502ds
Zoa Addict
are you serious about the secrets? Or can I ask more questions, lol?
Where does someone go to find small plastic screws and a tap for this application?
Did you use washers to hold the net?
From the picture it looks like there is another layer of acrylic on the back? Or what is it?
I love it man, it's so nice and clean looking.
He's mostly kidding, he runs an acrylic fabrication business and makes a lot of screen tops. I'm sure he'll be back through at some point to answer your questions.
Check a plastic vendor that sells acrylic, they should have them. I'd imagine regular taps will work. Not sure if you need to adjust the drill size though.
Pola0502ds
Zoa Addict
Ahh, well now that makes sense!
I purchase my screws from a supplier overseas. you can probably find them on eBay or Amazon. same for a tap.
I do not use washers, just the tiny screws.
It's a single piece of material, there is no second layer.
I'm hoping I can tag along, as I'm trying to do the same thing on my 60"x18" tank. How can I get normal person who's not familiar with acrylic fabrication make something similar?
Are multiple pieces really gouge to warp if I use say 3/8" thick acrylic? I need to make something that juts around my pipes, but wouldn't a large piece to cut it out of be prohibitively expensive? How would you cut the inside, with a jig saw?
Let me know if I should start my own thread, but I'm basically trying to accomplish the same thing!
Can you not use a regular tap and die set? I get the plastic screws, but as long as the threads match I already have a good set.
Are multiple pieces really gouge to warp if I use say 3/8" thick acrylic? I need to make something that juts around my pipes, but wouldn't a large piece to cut it out of be prohibitively expensive? How would you cut the inside, with a jig saw?
Let me know if I should start my own thread, but I'm basically trying to accomplish the same thing!
Can you not use a regular tap and die set? I get the plastic screws, but as long as the threads match I already have a good set.
