Any plans out there for DIY screen top using acrylic?

[kris2001]

Any plans out there for DIY screen top using acrylic?

Currently i have the 1/4 inch BRS netting with home depot screen frames that block light in my tiny 75g lol.

Thinking about cutting 1/2 inch plexi or acrylic into strips of 16 and 22 inches and gluing and make it 2 squares. And to stick net with silicone or epoxy.

Tia...![emoji6]

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

Interesting.. bump for anyone who has tried this.

 

[Reefer-E]

Haven't come across any plans yet myself, but planning to do this with 3/8" acrylic. 1/2" is too expensive. Heck, a sheet of 3/8" was $300. Will probably try to make a top-off container with the excess, which I hope to have a fair amount of.

My idea is to use a router and cut a channel for the netting and spline. Just haven't decided it I could do it on the inside of the opening or if I would have to use the top or bottom for the channel.
Need to find the correct sized router bit and all that before I can start.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Just watched one if melevs videos the other day. He was saying that polycarbonate was better for tops than acrylic

 

[Water Dog]

Acrylic absorbs water more readily than polycarbonate. In doing so, it will warp and you’ll get the “potato chip” effect... think Pringles.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Acrylic absorbs water more readily than polycarbonate. In doing so, it will warp and you’ll get the “potato chip” effect... think Pringles.

Ah yes...that's exactly what Mr Melev said lol

 

[kris2001]

Guess that bending effect doesn't happen in acrylic tanks... only lids?

I have an old 55 inch flat screen tv protective cover that's very hard and clear, dunno if it's acrylic.. how to tell? . We used this back when those TVs were expensive.

Maybe i can cut strips and try and make a rectangle using these below elbows and make the front strip wide to accommodate a feed door?

https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-P...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=1WN2YZGFTCN4Z1Y69RT6

Can i cut acrylic with circular saw?

Acrylic absorbs water more readily than polycarbonate. In doing so, it will warp and you’ll get the “potato chip” effect... think Pringles.

 

[Water Dog]

Guess that bending effect doesn't happen in acrylic tanks... only lids?

I think it has something to do with the thickness of the acrylic used and how it’s structurally supported. Ever notice how all acrylic tanks are euro braced? In fact, I actually do recall an instance where acrylic tanks warped... the un eurobraced Innovative Marine drop off tanks used to get reports of bowing and warping.

 

[Water Dog]

Here’s an example of an acrylic lid warping... the “potato chip” effect.

 

[kris2001]

Here’s an example of an acrylic lid warping... the “potato chip” effect.

You're right. Here's my plan, see pic.
Since my 75g has a middle brace warp may not happen i think since it won't support much load. I'll be making 2 rectangular covers with netting in middle.

Assuming i use thick acrylic.

If i go with this design wonder if i can glue the netting to the acrylic strips. Sandwiching between 2 thin strips is an option but extra work!