[Guest]

What are the best types of glass tops to use on a dart vivarium?
The one I just purchased has a one inch plastic strip at the back of it for tubing , lines, etc however I believe a fully enclosed glass top would be best. Is this true and where do I get them? What do you use?
Please explain.

 

[dvknight]

Your best bet is to take your enclosure to Home Depot or Lowes and have them cut the lid to your specifications...I have never paid more than $10 for glass, from 10 gallons to 90 gallons.

Regards,

David

 

[Lucidblue]

I just went to Home Depot today to have that done. They didn't have any glass, so I got plexiglas. I like it b/c it's lighter and just as strong. I also got a mini hacksaw for the screen frame, and I only spent $10.41!

 

[Dancing frogs]

:shock: WARNING :shock: , Plexiglass will warp when used as a single sheet, rest on frame lid. I know, I tried it with my first viv cause I didn't want to work with glass the first piece was a little under 1/8" thick, it warped, so I figured the thicker stuff, almost 1/4" thick would'nt warp, but it warped just as bad as the thin stuff.
Glass for a lid is the way to go.

 

[Guest]

Is there any problems with putting plexi on top? I have a 10gal hex I was considering makeing into a PDF habitat and using plexi for the top as the lid I have is plastic for aquarium use with cutouts in the back of it. My biggest concern is the heat from the light, maybe just use spacers under the light to get airflow?

Stephen

 

[Guest]

Dancing frogs didn't see your post until I had sent mine in. Was it warping due to the size of the tank (span from one side to the other). What size tank was this on. I was looking at the 1/4" and don't think it will warp due to the size of the opening on a 10g hex maybe just warp from heat. The reason I want to use the plexi is cause of the shape,easier to cut than glass. Thx.


Stephen

 

[Dancing frogs]

Actually the viv I was refering to is a 10 hex, which has been rebuilt to be 24" tall, I drew up a pattern and had a local glass shop cut it for me. then I drilled two holes and screwed some knobs onto it, to allow for easy removal during feeding misting, etc. It ended up being less than 20 bucks, but I forget the exact number. I've had three imitators happy in there for about a year and a half.

 

[Guest]

i know the glass vs plexi has been going on for a while and everyone has their different opinion, thought i would share mine.
If you go to the home improvement stores, they usually have different grades of acrylic as well as different thickness. at the home depot by my house they have sold a grade that is "suitable for high intensity light areas" and gauranteed not to warp. I have used the 5/8" thickness on my vivs as well as my orchid tanks for many years and have not once had a piece warp or bend even with the lights resting directly on the sheet.
i am heading in there this evening and i will try and get the name brand of it for you all.