Aquarium lid clips??

LennytheBlennie · 03/26/2016, 11:35 AM

I am in the process of cycling my 125 gallon brick aquarium. The glass is super thick (3/4"). I would like to put a lid of some sort on it to keep my cats out and my fish in, but I can't find any clips that will fit glass that thick. Would it be difficult to make them out of acrylic? Does anyone have any other suggestions? Would the clear mesh that BRS sells be better than egg crate?? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

thegrun · 03/26/2016, 11:48 AM

The 1/4" BRS mesh is much better, it blocks less light and fish can get through the bigger holes in egg crate. You could use standard window screen frame to hold the mesh and set the frame on top of the glass or if you want it recessed add clips to the window screen frame that would rest on top of the glass

mitch91175 · 03/26/2016, 11:53 AM

I would say if the cats are going to be a problem, your best bet would be to get a canopy for it. If they aren't, then you will likely have to make your own clips to sit your lid on. I bought my mesh from Amazon as well as my clips, but my glass isn't 3/4" like your. This is what I bought for my home made lid:

Uxcell 60x60mm
Screen Frame Kit
Clear Mesh
Cover Clips

frey · 03/26/2016, 05:10 PM

when we set up the 180 I did not put anything on it before we got fish. the cat jumped up a few times, fell in just a little and that was that, he never jumped up again. I then just went to lowes and got 1/4" bird netting and window screen frames. I cut them perfect to fit the recesses in the top of the tank. it fits just snug enough that it takes a little effort to pull out but if something were to jump up or fall on it and tear through it is a simple and cheap fix. also no fish have gotten out.

Vinny Kreyling · 03/26/2016, 05:38 PM

If it's rimless cut the screens to fit "just inside" the rim.
Glue pieces of acrylic to the top of the frame wide enough to engage the 3/4 rim----
DONE!

LennytheBlennie · 03/26/2016, 09:08 PM

Thanks! I never even thought of gluing something to the top of the screen. So simple. I'll give that a whirl. Will get some of the BRS screen to make it with.

03/26/2016, 11:35 AM	#1
LennytheBlennie Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: San Antonio Posts: 14	Aquarium lid clips?? I am in the process of cycling my 125 gallon brick aquarium. The glass is super thick (3/4"). I would like to put a lid of some sort on it to keep my cats out and my fish in, but I can't find any clips that will fit glass that thick. Would it be difficult to make them out of acrylic? Does anyone have any other suggestions? Would the clear mesh that BRS sells be better than egg crate?? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

03/26/2016, 05:38 PM	#5
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	If it's rimless cut the screens to fit "just inside" the rim. Glue pieces of acrylic to the top of the frame wide enough to engage the 3/4 rim---- DONE! __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

03/26/2016, 11:48 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	The 1/4" BRS mesh is much better, it blocks less light and fish can get through the bigger holes in egg crate. You could use standard window screen frame to hold the mesh and set the frame on top of the glass or if you want it recessed add clips to the window screen frame that would rest on top of the glass

03/26/2016, 11:53 AM	#3
mitch91175 Premium Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 303	I would say if the cats are going to be a problem, your best bet would be to get a canopy for it. If they aren't, then you will likely have to make your own clips to sit your lid on. I bought my mesh from Amazon as well as my clips, but my glass isn't 3/4" like your. This is what I bought for my home made lid: Uxcell 60x60mm Screen Frame Kit Clear Mesh Cover Clips

03/26/2016, 05:10 PM	#4
frey Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Jersey Shore, Pa Posts: 92	when we set up the 180 I did not put anything on it before we got fish. the cat jumped up a few times, fell in just a little and that was that, he never jumped up again. I then just went to lowes and got 1/4" bird netting and window screen frames. I cut them perfect to fit the recesses in the top of the tank. it fits just snug enough that it takes a little effort to pull out but if something were to jump up or fall on it and tear through it is a simple and cheap fix. also no fish have gotten out.

03/26/2016, 09:08 PM	#6
LennytheBlennie Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: San Antonio Posts: 14	Thanks! I never even thought of gluing something to the top of the screen. So simple. I'll give that a whirl. Will get some of the BRS screen to make it with.