Tank lid contruction

I recently picked up a decent size piece of Plexiglas planning to reconstruct Scarlett's tank lid. She has a 40 gal lid on the tank now but the tank if a 40 gal meta-frame tank and it does not fit well. Along with this tank lid clips will not work on it due to the tank frame. So anyone have a basic set of instructions for a slide on lid? That is this weekends project.

do you have a picture of the tank at the top? a slide in lid needs a frame in which to slide into

here is a pic of the top corner of the tank. I was planning on constucting a frame for the lid to slide into.
http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/...2e743e8c34.jpg

Is there any grooves in which you could slide a lid into because i can't see any in the pictures.

no there is not. I was thinking of mounting a few pieces of plexy to make a groove to slide he rest of the lid in and out,

Lowes and HomeDepot carry 1/4" aluminum "C" channel that can be epoxied or siliconed to the rim of the tank to create your own slide in areas

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...arium-Solution

I posted it in that thread but i think this is the best bet. easy access to the inside of the enclosure and relatively simple construction works for me. I stopped at a tractor supply and got some odds and ends for it. I will let you know how it goes.

Missed that sorry. A other idea over al. C channel might be 'glass' track it is E shaped you may be able to glue it top the top so the glass fits tight between the two part and remove the glass out the ends rather than the two depths of track.

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

Missed that sorry. A other idea over al. C channel might be 'glass' track it is E shaped you may be able to glue it top the top so the glass fits tight between the two part and remove the glass out the ends rather than the two depths of track.

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???:confused:

This is a tank that was given to us with "C" channel already installed...........
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...3-02151322.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...3-02151310.jpg

This one has a screen lid that slides into it.

sorry over the aluminum aquarium frame you could use E type glass track rather than C channel and over lap the glass panes and get glass that fits tight between the E track sides (It usually is met for vertical glass and the top has play so the glass will lift out) If the ends were open or one end you could slide the glass out the end.

that is an option. I am kind of liking the design for a front open tank.

alright so i began the construction for the "lucy lid" plug for my tank. I learned a very valuable lesson. To cut plexi a dremal work well if you have a steady hand but have lots of cutting/grinding heads available. I think I went through 10 or so. Also do this in a very well ventilated area i.e. not you basement or mine for that matter. The small of partially melted plexi will give you a killer headache. anyway I am part way there pics will follow when I am a bit further.

your best bet is to shell out the $10 for the lexan cutting tool at lowes or homedepot. Clamp a straight edge and keep running over and over till you cut half to three quarter way though.:gj:

There is a tool for that? I just used a exacto knife... I feel silly now. I tried a dremel and decided a knife was easier...

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

There is a tool for that? I just used a exacto knife... I feel silly now. I tried a dremel and decided a knife was easier...

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I was a little off on the price:oops::oops:

Plastic Cutting Tool

Its kind of like and exacto-knife but with a hooked blade that shaves a little out on every pass.

It sounds like it is easier to use than an exacto blade. Next time. Thanks!

well it too late now i already have it all cut. construction is a little delayed right now. my brother in laws band played their first show last night and we ended up closing the bar. A bit sluggish this morning.

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Originally Posted by Maverick67

well it too late now i already have it all cut. construction is a little delayed right now. my brother in laws band played their first show last night and we ended up closing the bar. A bit sluggish this morning.

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LOL mine is too..........played black ops toooooooo late lastnight

Alright so I finished it. It is kind of a fanken-tank but effective at least. I edges the openings with foil and all the hardware ended up hot glued on. I did find out that rivets will break Plexiglas. I may redo this at some point and make it prettier. but this will work for now.
http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/...2e8c83f827.jpg

Aluminum rivets backed by washers usually doesnt crack plexi

I tried with and with out washers and had no breaks with either. I had more trouble with the drill. Nice Job I hope that you find it fixes as many 'tank' issues as I did.

thanks I did almost have an escape last night. I came down stairs after i was already in bed because i had that feeling and wanted to check. turns out when i was adjusting one on the hinges i didn't glue it well enough and it popped off. Today i added a third hinge and also two more latches on the left and right side of the door. now its just a matter of dialing everything in.