Tank Top Input

spfahnestock · Jan 24, 2021

I am looking for input from the masses.

I know that I need some sort of cover on the top of my tank to prevent jumpers but I am not sure the route to take.

Due to the odd shape of the tank (144 gallon half circle) the top braces of the tank make 4 different sections. The smaller sections on the right and left sides are easy to make a cover for as they are small rectangles. The issue lies with the two center sections that have a 45 degree corner on one side. I am thinking this will make creating a screen top very difficult. I am leaning towards a sheet of plexiglass cut to fit with holes drilled in it for air exchange and evaporation.

Any thought on a good direction to take?

don_chuwish · Jan 24, 2021

Depends on how much you're willing to spend - you can get custom screen tops made by Octo Aquatics for example. I don't know of any way to do anything but 90deg corners with typical screen top kits unless you have the ability to 3D print some custom parts.

T-J · Jan 24, 2021

spfahnestock said:
I am looking for input from the masses.

I know that I need some sort of cover on the top of my tank to prevent jumpers but I am not sure the route to take.

Due to the odd shape of the tank (144 gallon half circle) the top braces of the tank make 4 different sections. The smaller sections on the right and left sides are easy to make a cover for as they are small rectangles. The issue lies with the two center sections that have a 45 degree corner on one side. I am thinking this will make creating a screen top very difficult. I am leaning towards a sheet of plexiglass cut to fit with holes drilled in it for air exchange and evaporation.

Any thought on a good direction to take?

Trace the top of your tank onto a piece of acrylic. Cut it out, as if you were making a solid acrylic lid. Now cut out the center portion 1" from the edge all the way around. Attach mesh to the acrylic to cover the part you just cut out.
Done!