Habitat - Indoor :: tank coverings...

[mackadocious]

so i have only one area of my tank that is escapable and is currently covered with a divider from a dog kennel....it looks pretty ghetto compared to the rest of the tank but has thwarted several attempts at escape...i would like to buy plexiglass for at least 2 of the 3 sections of my tank for a couple reasons--aesthetic, safety (versus glass breaking), and reduction of water evaporation....my question being, anyone use plexiglass for a tank covering, and if so,

1) do all 4 sides need to be supported??....if i want to cover the 3rd opening, i can only do 3 sides so lighting isn't affected

2) any experience w/ bowing and what were the dimensions you experienced it w/ and/or does anyone know max dimensions before bowing begins.....

thanks

[ScrewZoo]

Eggcrate is a good covering.

[megcornell]

I guess I'm having trouble picturing what you're using the plexiglass for...

Are you just placing it on top of the tank or are you building something on top of the tank?

Depending on how thick the plexiglass is will determine whether or not it bows out. From my experience, it shouldn't be a significant issue in a standard size tank. Along the same line, if you're laying a piece of plexiglass down that only touches three sides of the tank, that too should be safe. If not, you can always devise some way to "clip" the three attached sides to the tank.

[mackadocious]

i don't want to use anything perforated because i'm trying to cut down on the amount of evaporation taking place...as for "standard size", i don't know if the sections are truly standard--i was looking at it earlier while i was cleaning and it would be approx. 16-17" square for each one....any idea what thickness would be good to avoid bowing??

[mackadocious]

oh, and just a covering, so i don't need it to support any weight at all....

[untsmurf]

If it's just covering the top, plexiglas should work wonderfully to prevent evaporation. As for thickness, I'm not too sure. You definitely don't want anything that easily bends. We got some stuff that was pretty thick, when I say pretty think I mean probably an 1/8''. But it's late, dark, and I'm tired so I could be way off on the number.