D&D Jumpguard

[Reef.]

Anyone with one of these lids, what did you use to cut the aluminium? Does a normal hacksaw do the trick? I don’t have a circular saw or similar.

 

[DIYreefer]

I have a couple that I intend to use on a new system that I'll be setting up soon. They're still in the package but from what I understand, you don't cut them at all, you cut the mesh/screen after you've snapped the jump guard in place.

 

[mrpontiac80]

I used a jig saw with a metal cutting blade I think. (It’s been a while). If not, then I used a dremal.

 

[Reef.]

I have a couple that I intend to use on a new system that I'll be setting up soon. They're still in the package but from what I understand, you don't cut them at all, you cut the mesh/screen after you've snapped the jump guard in place.

You definitely need to cut them as they are diy lids, unless you are lucky and have a tank the exact size they come in.

 

[Derrick0580]

I used a hacksaw just because I didn’t want to drag out the miter saw. You can get a hand miter saw box if you are worried about straight lines.

 

[Reef.]

I used a hacksaw just because I didn’t want to drag out the miter saw. You can get a hand miter saw box if you are worried about straight lines.

Great, was worried I would get a jaggered edge like a tin of beans, thanks.

 

[DIYreefer]

You definitely need to cut them as they are diy lids, unless you are lucky and have a tank the exact size they come in.

I see. I'm pretty sure we aren't thinking of the same things. Mine is a little round lid that will clamp on to mesh covers.

 

[Beau_B]

I used a cordless sawzall at first, and it was ok, but I ended up cutting them a little long and filing back (cheap wood file) to get straight edges. That's all to say a fine tooth hacksaw will work fine as it's just aluminum.

Later when I modified my top (make it a little smaller/looser) I used a chop saw, and that worked better and faster, but it isn't necessary.

I also painted the cut edges hoping to prevent the paint from bubbling due to salt corrosion: didn't work. Plan to wipe or rinse the top off periodically of salt buildup. Even with that annoyance, I'm still happy with product.

 

[Reef.]

I used a cordless sawzall at first, and it was ok, but I ended up cutting them a little long and filing back (cheap wood file) to get straight edges. That's all to say a fine tooth hacksaw will work fine as it's just aluminum.

Later when I modified my top (make it a little smaller/looser) I used a chop saw, and that worked better and faster, but it isn't necessary.

I also painted the cut edges hoping to prevent the paint from bubbling due to salt corrosion: didn't work. Plan to wipe or rinse the top off periodically of salt buildup. Even with that annoyance, I'm still happy with product.

Thanks…yeah the bubbling I’ve seen a few reports on, was thinking on painting the ends with something, read someone used nail polish! Thought it was worth a shot, it was either one of these lids or 6x the cost for a custom lid.

 

[mfinn]

Hack saw. Then just use a small file to remove any edges that aren't clean.
Touching up the cut ends is a great tip.
I've had 2 different sets of these.
The first set had some serious bubbling under the paint within a year. So I made a warranty claim and got a free replacement set.

On my 72" long tank I used a pair of 48" kits to split the top in half. Then I got an extra support bar to split those 2 halfs and add extra strength.
In the end they are seriously ridgid.
Cost more, but makes me happy.

 

[Reef.]

Hack saw. Then just use a small file to remove any edges that aren't clean.
Touching up the cut ends is a great tip.
I've had 2 different sets of these.
The first set had some serious bubbling under the paint within a year. So I made a warranty claim and got a free replacement set.

On my 72" long tank I used a pair of 48" kits to split the top in half. Then I got an extra support bar to split those 2 halfs and add extra strength.
In the end they are seriously ridgid.
Cost more, but makes me happy.

Weird they haven’t fixed the bubbling issue, from the posts it’s been an issue for a few years now.

Did your 2nd set have the same bubbling?

 

[mfinn]

Weird they haven’t fixed the bubbling issue, from the posts it’s been an issue for a few years now.

Did your 2nd set have the same bubbling?

It was just the first set, which was probably 6-7 years ago.
The second set is still fine.

 

[CBonito]

I have one of these coming as well. I was just going to use my chop saw with a metal bit, then give the bare ends a shot of paint.

 

[mfinn]

I have one of these coming as well. I was just going to use my chop saw with a metal bit, then give the bare ends a shot of paint.

I used my miter saw with the regular carbide tipped blade. The only issue I found is you really have to hold the pieces down securely. Otherwise they want to travel to other parts of the room.