Covers for acrylic tanks

Reefpharmer · Feb 20, 2017

I have a tank with top cutouts which have rounded corners. I want to do a top cover and am thinking of a mesh window kit but because the corners are rounded, this presents a challenge.

I know there are companies that sell recessed lids but for the size it would cost me around 600 which is a little more than I want to spend for a top. Size is around 24x40 for each of the two cutouts . I thought about just making a larger-than-cutout screen top but that doesn't look slick at all so I am looking for ideas

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Please assist

jsker · Feb 20, 2017

Could you use the egg create light diffusers and cut your corners with a jig saw?

Ocelaris · Feb 20, 2017

I just made a cutout for my window screen tank, lost some structural stability, but does the job, could you make corner cut outs?

Reefpharmer · Feb 20, 2017

Ocelaris said:
I just made a cutout for my window screen tank, lost some structural stability, but does the job, could you make corner cut outs?

If you mean cut the corners of the holes on top of the tank, it's not possible. It's 1 inch thick and tank is sps w fish

Ocelaris · Feb 20, 2017

Not sure I follow what the shape you need, do you have any pictures?

Reefpharmer · Feb 20, 2017

Ocelaris said:
Not sure I follow what the shape you need, do you have any pictures?

It's a rectangle but the corners are rounded

ReeferNoob77 · Feb 20, 2017

what about talking with artfully acrylic? https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/new-clearview-frame-mesh-lids.238354/

azbigjohn · Feb 20, 2017

You could use a router or Dremmel to round the plastic corners that attach the frames. Might lose some rigidity but once you spine in the screen, that should help. You could also use some fiberglass tape to strengthen the corners, although you might need to paint over the tape to make it look uniform and cover the tape...

azbigjohn · Feb 20, 2017

I have been looking for the thread, and can;t find it, but one user posted a great screen top they made by cutting out a piece of acrylic that was the odd-shaped size of their top opening, and then routering out a channel for the spline. Wish I could find that thread... I think it was a BRS thread...