Diy Condensation Cover

[Schmill]

I've pretty much decided that I am going to make a DIY condensation cover for my Aqua One Regency 120 Tank, both to reduce the condensation, and also to try and reduce the noise a little from the bubbling etc.
My thoughts on this are to use some runners along the front and rear of the tank, of the 'E' type profile, and use 2 perspex sheets, one in the top runner, one in the bottom runner. Each sheet will be perhaps 1" long than half the length of the tank to allow for overlap to give a reasonable seal.
For fitting I was thinking that I could place the perspex into the runners, silicon the back of the runners and then place into the tank. This I think would work great for fitting, but then difficult for manitenance.

I'm trying to think of how I can fit the perspex sheets into runners, (so that they can be slid easily for tank cleaning / feeding etc), but so that they are still removeable to clean the algae off of them (as I am SURE some will grow).
I thought perhaps if I can try and make the runners a snug fit in the tank I won't need to silicon them in as they can just sit on top of the small glass shelves at the front and rear of the tank, and the perspex in the runners should stop them falling into the tank... but I'm not sure.

Any bright ideas from anyone out there?

Thanks

 

[BigC]

LOL
This is what I've been doing for around 40 yrs now.2 pcs of "E" channel 50mm short of the length front and back on glass lips. Use glass instead of perspex. Cut glass 5mm short of the width and 50mm longer than half the length of your tank. (for the overlap) You can cut a diagonal notch at each of the back corners so as you can get your pipework and wires in and out. Silicone a marble or something at each side so as you can open and shut the coverglasses.
Regards
BigC

 

[Schmill]

LOL
This is what I've been doing for around 40 yrs now.2 pcs of "E" channel 50mm short of the length front and back on glass lips. Use glass instead of perspex. Cut glass 5mm short of the width and 50mm longer than half the length of your tank. (for the overlap) You can cut a diagonal notch at each of the back corners so as you can get your pipework and wires in and out. Silicone a marble or something at each side so as you can open and shut the coverglasses.
Regards
BigC

Looks ideal.
How do you cut the glass? Would an electric tile cutter 'cut it'? (pun intended)
Also what do you mean silicon a marble? Surely the rounded edge wouldn't stick to the glass sheet? What have you used in those pictures?

Thanks again

 

[BigC]

Really need a glasscutter to cut the glass. 4mm float or 6mm plate depending on you chanelling. Best just getting a glazier to cut this for you.
Im a glasscutter by trade. I had those coverglasses drilled and rubber gromets inserted as finger holes for opening and shutting the covers. Siliconing a glass marble to each side with a large blob of of the stuff will serve the same purpose.
Regards
BigC

 

[Rooster]

That picture is identical (well, almost !) to my shrimp tank... I use glass sheets that have been knocking about the shed - dead easy to cut, but its a "knack" get your dad to show you ! LOL But once done, you will wonder what the fuss was about.
I superglued a LEGO brick onto each sheet as a handle.
Not using the E channel because the only place I can find it was B&Q and it was really expensive for a bit of plastic ! Having said that, life without it can be a pain... moisture between the sheets can "glue" them together, and its hard to move the "bottom" pane... so I do keep an eye out for some "E's" !

 

[Schmill]

Can anyone suggest a place where I can get the 'E' channel, I've checked all my local 'hardware' stores, and nowhere seems to do it now, (nope not even B&Q!), I'm sure this stuff used to be available all over the place, (my dad used some on my rabbit hutch when I was little!), but I just cannot find it now. Glass YES, Acrylic YES, but no d@mn grooved channeling for it to sit in!

Suggestions welcome!

 

[BigC]

http/www.dartfrog.co.uk/equipment/misc.html

and scroll down
Regards
BigC

 

[Schmill]

I thanked in PM, but just wanted to thank here to so it doesn't seem like I'm ignoring your help

Also a bit of a result, I've found a place local to me that stock the E-channel, and will cut either float or toughened glass for me. Looks like it should be around £30 for the two pieces, with cut-outs for the pipes etc, and the E-Channel
Seems anything I try and do has a tendancy to climb in price though, so I'll keep you updated and let you know how I get on