DIY Cover Question

[Captain Hook]

Hey guys I am nearly finished building a stand and matching cover for my 20 gallon high. There will be 2 NO flurouscents (1 Daylight Deluxe & 1 Natural Color) in the top for 2 wpg.

I'm wondering what I should paint the inside of the top canopy. It's quite high (about 10"). I've heard that white reflects light so would that be the best colour to paint it? I'm thinking white or some kind of really reflective (mirror?) paint. Any advice?

Also, will plexiglass affect the light going in the tank at all?

 

[beviking]

Everything affects light. If you're talking about a lid on the tank, glass would be better. Plexiglass will diffract light like crazy once it gets scratched.
Go with white paint. You could line it with reflective foil but the difference vs. the pita of doing it isn't worth it.
Check out thekrib.com for some comparisons.

 

[Captain Hook]

I was considering glass instead but I figured it would be impossible to cut the needed holes out of it. I need a section out of the back for my AC mini and heater and a small hole in the front for feeding.

So you think plexiglass won't be very good then? I checked thekrib and haven't seen anything comparing plexiglass & glass or anything related.

 

[Prometheus]

Originally posted by Captain Hook
I was considering glass instead but I figured it would be impossible to cut the needed holes out of it. I need a section out of the back for my AC mini and heater and a small hole in the front for feeding.

My glass tops have a stri[ of plastic on the back (can be taken on and off glass) for ease of cutting and replacement.

it is approx. 2" wide, if I had a camera that was working, I'd take a pic of it and post it... but most LFS carry the glass tops with plastic attachments so you could check them out to get an idea.

Finding some where that sells just the plastic will be tough. But my LFS gave me a pair for free (since they don't sell them and somehow have aquired a surplus of them) to replace my old dingy ones...

dimensions on my 55 gal tops 4.5" x 23.25" times 2 connected by platic/rubber to allow it to 'hinge' for opening 1 & 1/8" wide x 23" plus the plastic on the back which is 2 & 1/8" x 23.25"

Works perfect, easy to cut with a razor or really sharp knife (sissors would work, but they tend to bend plastic while cutting) and if you change your HOB's or hose setups you can replace them and keep the rest of your lid intact...

I could have sworn that those plastic backings were sold online seperately... might have been at big al's... not sure.

 

[Captain Hook]

Prometheus I know what you mean and thanks for the recommendation. I found one that I could mail-order from a place near me and I'm guessing it's the same as what you have.

I just noticed the black down the middle of this. I probably would have gotten it if it wasn't for that. I'm afraid that will block some light right down the middle of the tank.

Edit: It looks like it would have been the perfect size too!

 

[blitzen25bm]

that black middle strip isnt too big and that top did come with the plastic strip in the back to cut out heater holes etc. my tank came with the black middle strip too, you can position the light in fround of the strip , i put mine behind it or you can just take that thing off its just for the top to swing up. but i dont open mine so i just took it off.

 

[beviking]

This may help:
http://www.thekrib.com/Lights/lights-wozniak.html

Grumbles about ppl not wanting info badly enough to look it up...then realizes he's been there b4!

On my quick recheck through I didn't see plexiglass comparison either, though there is reference to light diffraction and the like.


Hope it helps!

 

[Prometheus]

Originally posted by Captain Hook
Prometheus I know what you mean and thanks for the recommendation. I found one that I could mail-order from a place near me and I'm guessing it's the same as what you have.

I just noticed the black down the middle of this. I probably would have gotten it if it wasn't for that. I'm afraid that will block some light right down the middle of the tank.

Edit: It looks like it would have been the perfect size too!

Thats it exactly...

The black is 1 and 1/8" wide... My strip light / lights fit PERFECTLY between the black and back part of glass plastic... it's designed that way and holds the light in place nice and secure, to prevent it from slipping out of place and into your HOB's ect. in case a cat or you bumped it accidentally... For me it doesn't obstruct any of my light going into the tank... (for a 30 or 55 anyway).

Can someone comment on how this would effect a double bulb light? I have never tried them...

 

[Captain Hook]

Thanks for the help beviking that link was very informative. I honest did check the krib but there was tons of articles and I must have missed this one. Now I am really considering building some type of reflector to cut down my light loss.

Since there is nothing around the bulbs, they are just open, I'm thinking about building a reflector. I will check a hydroponics store near me for the "reflective mylar" suggested in the article & if I can't find that I will just use aluminum siding.

My dad's friend says he may have some plexiglass to give me so I think I will try it out (can't beat free!) and then decide. I may end up going with a glass cover or some sort but I'm on a limited budget with this project.

 

[beviking]

Originally posted by Captain Hook
... I honest did check the krib but there was tons of articles and I must have missed this one....
...My dad's friend says he may have some plexiglass to give me so I think I will try it out (can't beat free!) and then decide. I may end up going with a glass cover or some sort but I'm on a limited budget with this project.

I believe you, been lost in there many times myself!
My experience with plexiglass over a heated tank is that it warps and I end up flipping it to get it back in shape every day. I still have a peice on my 10gal. It'll work (hell for free, you can make anything work!) just may be a pita.

Good luck!