humidity issues: Making a plexi lid

So here is the post I promised on how I made my plexi lid:

Full size Plexi Lid:

First what you need

http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...lexilid002.jpg

Drill & drill bits - try to borrow one or use a sodering iron and melt the holes
plexi (know you dimensions when you go to the hardware store and they will cut it to size for you. for example my 10 gal tank takes a 20" X 10" piece.) - 8-15$
a plexi knife in case you need to adjust size - $3.50

Double check your plexi fits your lid (just set it on top of the tank) Make sure you leave the protective plastic on your plexi till you are done drilling so it doesnt get all scratched up.I suggest drilling outside or on a surface you dont mind drilling into since you need to go all the way through the lid. REMEMBER slow and steady when you drill or you will break or crack your plexi and have to start all over.

http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...lexilid003.jpg

I chose to drill on both sides for ventilation 3 holes each side

http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...lexilid004.jpg

now take the plastic off and wipe down the plexi to remove any pieces of plastic left from drilling. place on your lid and secure with your choice of clamps or clips.

http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...lexilid006.jpg

http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...lexilid007.jpg

Plexi Lid with a heat lamp or to adjust humidity:

Here is where that $3.50 plexi cutter comes into play

What you need

http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...lexilid008.jpg

Again lay something down that will protect whatever is under your plexi or cut on something you dont care about. Get something with a straight edge to make sure the cut you make is even, measure how much of your plexi you need to remove and place the straight edge there.

http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...lexilid010.jpg

http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...lexilid012.jpg

score the plexi with the cutter about 1/16" deep then apply even pressure and snap off the excess plexi. Put on your lid and secure with the clamps or clips you prefer.

http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...lexilid013.jpg

[http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...lexilid014.jpg

And that is it :P Each situation will be different and require a few tweaks but if you are having humidity issues in your tank a plexi lid is both aesthetically pleasing and a great inexpensive fix. Hope this helps yall out.

Looks good!

I would also like to add that instead of plexi options that are quite a bit more expensive but will last longer than plexi are Lexan and Glass.

This mod can be as easy as this or can be as permanent as removing the mesh and replacing it with plexi all together, as long as it gets your husbandry right it really doesn't matter all personal preference.

thats a really nice design. i never thought of anything like that when i was using glass tanks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MitsuMike

Looks good!

I would also like to add that instead of plexi options that are quite a bit more expensive but will last longer than plexi are Lexan and Glass.

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Yeah it does look good.

Edit: Plexiglas will last the life of the tank, and glass would be too heavy.