custom lids? are they worth it or not? other solutions??

[Devaji]

Hey Reefers,
just want to talk about the acrylic, lexon etc. tops for your reefs are they worth it?
just got a quote from one company and surprised at the price $275-33o for a 3x2 lid.

my DIY BRS screen top does the trick most of the time one wrasse still did get out tho. but did wrap.
anyone have a better DIY solution? I just want to to fit nicely, not look to ugly and dont wrap over time. oh yeah ans easy to feed and not break the bank... am Iasking to much?

or should I just bite the bullet at spend the $$ for a custom lid? I do plan on a few more wrasse so a top is a must.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Yea. If you want it pretty and functional you want a pro.

I highly reccomend getting a quote from octoaquatics.

 

[Devaji]

Yea. If you want it pretty and functional you want a pro.

I highly reccomend getting a quote from octoaquatics.

yeah I have been checking there lids out for over a year now...was hoping I would win there giveaway...lol wonder who did?
I will contact him for sure.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

yeah I have been checking there lids out for over a year now...was hoping I would win there giveaway...lol wonder who did?
I will contact him for sure.

He’s good guy too. Just a reefer with skills he turned into a part time job.

 

[ncaldwell]

Artfully acrylic did mine for 300 that was 5ft x 2 ft with 2 cutouts. I agree it was on the spendy side but no warping and it fit perfectly. It's just like everything else in the hobby, cheap unappealing DIY alternatives or a few hundred on something pretty. It works well though for the 2 years I've had it. Octoaquatics didnt make lids when I was shopping but I've bought other things from him and I'd bet the quality is great too

 

[davocean]

Artfully acrylic makes nice tops, just depends on your budget and how clean you wish it to look, but the BRS kits work fine if budget is a factor.
For what we spend on gear and animals, it's not that much, and if exposed/visible I think it's worth it.

 

[Devaji]

I guess i could just make a new BRS screen ever year or so when it wraps, I think it like 15 is screen frame or spend 200+ for a nice one. man everything in this hobby is so dam expensive...sigh I would rather spend that $$ for stuff inside the tank bit I guess you gotta keep your animals safe and if you want it to look pretty got lay down the cash..haha

 

[Rimsky]

What about TopLids?
http://www.safetoplids.com

 

[Land Shark]

Lids are a good option but another one to consider is a border. I haven't had a jumper since I started using this border last year. Definitely works!

 

[Michael Hicks]

I’m lost at why so many have fish jump out of their tanks. I’ve been reefing for 30 years and have very few jump out. I have a shallow reef now and have 1 Christmas wrasse and a pair of ornate leopard wrasse and never worried about jumpers. Tank is loaded and everyone is happy maybe that’s why. Not sure what causes the jump.

 

[Antics]

What about TopLids?
http://www.safetoplids.com

I want to try them out but I really think the pricing is excessive compared to other companies performing this service.

 

[Land Shark]

I’m lost at why so many have fish jump out of their tanks. I’ve been reefing for 30 years and have very few jump out. I have a shallow reef now and have 1 Christmas wrasse and a pair of ornate leopard wrasse and never worried about jumpers. Tank is loaded and everyone is happy maybe that’s why. Not sure what causes the jump.

In some cases it happens when one fish is aggressive towards another. The fleeting fish may try to jump out of the tank to avoid the aggression. Sometimes its the type of fish. My leopard wrasses don't ever try to jump as far as I know. A couple of the others make a good splash from time to time. Maybe you just have a very peaceful tank and everyone knows they are already living at club med.

 

[fredjr]

Clear view Aquarium lids are the way to go. Looks great on my Reefer 350
http://artfullyacrylic.3dcartstores.com

 

[Katrina71]

@cromag27 does the most beautiful work

 

[Rich Klein]

I purchased the Red Sea screen kit and customized it for my 72" tank. It was pretty easy to make the special cutouts for cables and feeder. It did take a couple of trial runs to learn to lock-in the screen, but they give extra screen material. Now I keep the jumpers in the tank, get more light through than a glass or plastic cover, and get better gas exchange and cooling. Plus it looks good (IMO).

 

[scoopsthedog]

After spending thousands on the Red Sea tank, thousands on critters spending hundreds on a great custom lid is a no brainer. Love my toplid- integrated moon light is super cool and their customer service is great.

 

[jaegers_reef]

I love my DIY lid and so does everyone else. I personally think it looks better than the acrylic ones.

 

[saltyhog]

I have a lid from Octo Aquatics ordered for my IM Fusion 10 gallon and I'm contemplating 3 lids for my 6 foot tank. I'll post some pictures when I get it in.

Here's what's currently on my big tank. I made these over 5 years ago and they are kind of worse for wear but still function well.

 

[Devaji]

I love my DIY lid and so does everyone else. I personally think it looks better than the acrylic ones.

What about TopLids?
http://www.safetoplids.com

yeah that is who I got the quote from.

@cromag27 does the most beautiful work

more info plz

After spending thousands on the Red Sea tank, thousands on critters spending hundreds on a great custom lid is a no brainer. Love my toplid- integrated moon light is super cool and their customer service is great.

I love my DIY lid and so does everyone else. I personally think it looks better than the acrylic ones.

yeah they do great work for sure and there CS IS top notch, just out of my budget

 

[Katrina71]

@cromag27 does Octo. Quality work.