Best place for custom acrylic lid?

Shadowspop · Feb 4, 2020

I'm trying to get a lid made for a Red Sea xxl 900. It's a new tank and no companies seem to have any designs ready. That's not a problem, the problem is getting any response from the 2 main companies out there. Top Lids and Clearview(Artfully Acrylic) both have horrible customer service. They are both quoting me around 6 weeks and $1000 for the lid, but I can't seem to get anyone to give me solid numbers and set the order. Any other companies out there to use?

Bryan68 · Feb 4, 2020

Have you tried Octo Aquatics? He is a member on this forum. I haven't used him yet, but have heard very good reviews.

Greybeard · Feb 4, 2020

I bought a custom screen top from @cromag27, or Octo Aquatics, a couple of years ago now. I was quite happy with the service, and exceptionally happy with the quality of the product.

Bossman · Feb 4, 2020

I've been waiting 12 weeks on a Clearview lid. I emailed the other day and just got a response saying they are waiting on polycarbonate. No idea when I will get the lid. They did get their funds though.

made one with a Red Sea kit to get me by. Works pretty good and it's very light. This wouldnt work for your large tank, but did for my 48 gallon. I

buck27 · Feb 4, 2020

is it possible to buy the poly-carbonate, router, bit, screen, and make your own jig to build your own and still come in under 1000.00??? I too am going to be contemplating this same thing once I order my 300 gallon tank. I did find that you could get cut to size material online for no where near what they charge for these tops. Not saying that they aren't good or of good quality but I just like to make my own stuff sometimes. Example: 96x30 clear poly-carbonate sheet .375" thick is around $263 bucks or so.

you would have to make a jig to route the edges and then also route the inside dimensions and then route a channel for the screen/rubber seal. I think it sounds easy and is likely a pita but might be worth looking into.