How well does Plexiglas insulate?

Would it make a difference if I put a 1/8" or so layer of Plexiglas over the front glass side of my tank? I have the sides and back already covered with black foam board, but I'm wonder if this extra plastic will increase ambient temperature by a little. I'm pretty sure plastic insulates better than glass.

I just called Home Depot. They charge $20 for a 30" x 36" sheet of 1/8" plexi, when I need 30" x 10." Not worth it.

I don't actually know for sure, but I do believe the plexiglass will insulate better than glass. I am sure that an extra layer will be better than the single layer you have now, and the tiny layer of air between them will help too.

It might REALLY decrease the visibility, though.

The first winter we had our BP, we ended up putting a layer of cardboard insulation on the front of her tank. Obviously it meant zero visibility and was a little bit of an eyesore in the room, but it made the temps WAY more stable.

As long as you don't scratch it, Plexiglas is perfectly clear. I had a piece of 1/2" I used in an underwater camera housing as a lens.

I'm sure you thought of it, but what about a second heat source. Or maybe replace you heat source with a better one.

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Originally Posted by mrshawt

As long as you don't scratch it, Plexiglas is perfectly clear. I had a piece of 1/2" I used in an underwater camera housing as a lens.

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use acrylic. Its a bit more expensive but stronger and more scratch resistant.

Ah, I forgot to mention that. I have a 100w (I think) CHE which I HATE. Besides, it's meant for bigger tanks. I do have a rheostat for it, but since I got my tstat, I'm enjoying not having to adjust it all the time (especially since I'm at work a lot).

Ok, new idea.
I'm going to glue Reflectix to the inside of the foam board. If I put a terrarium background between that and the tank, will it neglect and reflecting of heat by the Reflectix?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mrshawt

I just called Home Depot. They charge $20 for a 30" x 36" sheet of 1/8" plexi, when I need 30" x 10." Not worth it.

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Call your local glass supply place (automotive glass, window glass, etc..), and they may be able to help you out. They will cut it to size for less money. I just got 5 pieces of 1/4" glass cut to cover ~ 4ftx6ft for $72. Home depot's prices have a "convenience surcharge" applied for those that don't know where else to go. ;)

same should apply to plexi as they will do alot of that too.

I've checked before in my area and unfortunately none of the local glass places have 1/8" Plexi. Kind of annoying, really.

But if the Reflectix thing works out, I may not have to use Plexi. Does anyone have an answer to my question above about that? I'm planning a trip tomorrow before work.