Where's A Good Place To Get A Glass Lid Made, And Is It Cheap?

I have an Arcadia Arc tank (35L), but I want to keep a Betta in it. The standard lid though has a 10mm gap nearly all the way around, plus 2 gaps opposite each other about 100mm long and 25mm wide. One is to allow space for the clip on arcadia arc pod lamp, and the other acts as a way to get fingers in to lift and remove the lid.

The problem is I know Betta's have a reputation for jumping, and I don't want to take any chances if a fish were to ever manage to jump out of any one of these gaps, SO my conclusion is to get a new lid made.

I've heard glass is cheaper, I don't mind having to lift it off everytime anything needs to be done but would a cut-to-spec piece of glass be expensive and where could I get it done? Or is there an alternative that would be just as good. I've heard maybe plexiglass or something? Can plexiglass look just as good and clear as normal glass?

Perspex would look fine and it is available from most DIY stores.
If you do opt for glass, try your local Glazier. I shouldn't imagine it would be too expensive.

Glass is a LOT easier to cut than folks would have you believe ! Try your local hardware store... I bet they do "greenhouse glass" and they WILL know how to cut it, as long as you only want straight cuts, it should be under a fiver...

Then glue on a couple of handles.... either strips of glass, or whatever takes yer fancy !!! (I have used Lego bricks before )
glass to glass, use "glassbond" or superglue for other materials.

You will want tempered glass with finished edges which can probably be made by any shop that manufactures shower doors. It will cost more than a piece of windowpane, however. I used textured plexiglas when I made mine and it looks fine, making any fingerprints, splashes, etc., disappear.

Just as a side note, the top need to breath, gas exchanges between soil to water and again water to air, these gasses can be fatally harmful to fish (and smell terrible). Let it breath.


On a side note i love open top tanks with hang lighting and ive only ever once had a fish jump on me, and that's cause i dropped a tool in the tank and scared the bajeezus out of a pack of danios and 3 went flying. One time i thought my now SEVEN inch long (wide as a roll of quarters) chinese algae eater was going to get a running start and ram me in the head one day when i was cleaning out under his log.

But as to your question. If you have a large flat and clean enough workspace, you can cut your own glass using 2 soft clamps a long straight edge and a smooth motion cut. In which case you only have to choose a piece of glass stock and away you go.

You can actually cut glass with a pair of strong sharp scissors (pretty accurately i might add). When you submerge the glass it buffers the high frequency vibrations so as not to shatter the glass. But for the love of all that is holy, dont be crazy, strong scissors protective gloves if you can make sure its plate glass and nothing tempered or fancy. I do not want to see ANYONE get hurt.

The other method is the hand break, or "table snap" which is when you make your cut into the glass where you desire it (use sturdy yet even pressure) then align the seam (your cutting line) with the edge of the table, USING A TOOL. NOT YOUR BARE HAND. (and also some cloth so as not to scratch the glass) slowly start to apply downward pressure not overly squeezing the tool. it should snap rather easily. if your thinking you are about to break it, its because you probably are, go back, try another run down your seam and try again.

There are countless resources that will help you to cut glass any number of ways, your best asset here is knowing what type of glass you are working with.

Its not complicated at all, just be careful!!! and good luck.

--dictated but not read--
-ChairmanWood


EDIT: Usually the home dopot does it for free around here, if not, only a few dollars.