Hinge Lid

[Rediahs]

Hi, I was thinking I'd like to make some betta tanks, but I don't need a hood - what I need is a lid that won't fall off, and I am thinking a hinged lid would be very good.

I've got some questions..

I live in Canada. How hard would it be to find a hinge that won't rust on me? And can you drill glass? Do you need anything special for it?

Thanks

 

[Neal]

Be careful when you drill glass, as it can crack very easily. Also, remember that once done you can't undo it. I'm not sure about where to get a hinge, but surely you could cover it in some rust-proof/waterproof substance. Just make sure it's not harmful to fish. I'm sure there will be something out there!

Neal

 

[jayjay]

You need a glass drill bit to drill glass, they are on ebay for £6 or something like that.

 

[BigC]

Betta tanks being small means that the lid won't be too heavy. Buy your brass hinges and use a good heavy duty silicone sealant instead of drilling to fix the hinges in place.
Regards
BigC

 

[Rediahs]

Oh.. I didn't consider using a sealant to stick them on there. Will they really stay in place? Well... I guess they'll have to, since they use silicone to bond glass, but does it stick equally well to metal?

 

[BigC]

Will they really stay in place?

but does it stick equally well to metal?

Sticks to anytinig except dry silicone. It works I've used it personally on flaps for the fronts of my tanks in my fish house. Seal one side at a time with a nice tidy seal all around and over the flap side of the hinge.
Regards
BigC

 

[hoarp001]

if you get a stainless steel piano hinge and use stainless steel screws you wont have any problems with rusting.

Dont drill glass, its an absolute nightmare, if the angle between the glass and the bit is not exactly 90deg or if it wobbles durind the cut, your tank has had it. also if the bit is unballenced or wonky in the drill chuck you will just smash the tank. Dont risk it, it only ever works in pillar drills and even then it only works 3 out of 4 times.

if you are considering using a sealent to stick stuff to the glass, there is a good non epoxy or solvent based adhesive called sticks linke sh!t by Evostick (it really is called that!) Its for trade only so you only get it in big plumbing shops like plumb centre and grahams. im not sure if its safe to use in an aquarium but there are no epoxys or chemicals in the paste, it seems to be vynal or PVC based. it sticks anything to anything and I have used it on glass and was ex tremly impressed at the grip. Of course if the glue line is above the level of the water you wont have to worry about that.