Help DIY lid for 20g cube

[ninersrule1]

I have a beautiful rimless 20g cube that the wife keeps asking where is the lid for it.... I guess I’ll need it anyways for fish jumping and inverts.

Do you recommend glass or acrylic lid, or screen lid?

I know all about heat, gas exchange etc. thinking of keeping the AIO filtration without a lid but just the display area with lid??

Anyone have suggestions?

It’s either 17.75 x 14 or 17.75 x 17.75 .

How much PAR do glass or plexi lids block? I know screens aren’t very minimal.

Thanks.

[Vinny Kreyling]

Screen lid made for rimless. Do a search here for recommendations.

[oreo57]

Originally Posted by ninersrule1

I have a beautiful rimless 20g cube that the wife keeps asking where is the lid for it.... I guess I’ll need it anyways for fish jumping and inverts.

Do you recommend glass or acrylic lid, or screen lid?

I know all about heat, gas exchange etc. thinking of keeping the AIO filtration without a lid but just the display area with lid??

Anyone have suggestions?

It’s either 17.75 x 14 or 17.75 x 17.75 .

How much PAR do glass or plexi lids block? I know screens aren’t very minimal.

Thanks.

Glass/plastic cut about 10% of the light.
CLEAR screen is about the same.. BLACK screen cuts more ..around 20%
Depends on the mesh size Can be significant w/ like black window screen

Numbers vary.

Black eggcrate reduced light intensity by 20%, while the white by only 12%.
Glass: I used a glass cover made for an aquarium, maybe 1/8” to 3/16”. Light intensity was reduced by 12%. Bear in mind glass will often transmit ultraviolet radiation. Not much of an issue if you’re using LEDs, but could be if you’re using a metal halide lamp.
Acrylic (thin and thick pieces): Light reduced by 12%. Acrylic will absorb UV and will eventually yellow and possibly disintegrate (if it is thin.)
Fiberglass window screen material: Reduced light by 44%.

[CreAzn]

You can go to a local plastic cut place and ask them to cut it for you. But remember to make some holes for air to move. Cause plastic bend when is warm.

[Hellsangelbx]

CHeck BRS they have a DIY kit

[glh7767]

check clearviewlids.com. i have one of theirs on order for my red sea 170. pricey and take 2-3 months lead time, but they are well thought out and engineered.

gary