Tank cover condensation

[dsmhero]

Just cut an acrylic cover for my 24g and it instantly accumulated condensation on the underside. Is there a way to resolve this issue? Thank you for all your input.

 

[Peppie]

Why are you covering the tank? Jumpers?
With the cover on you run the risk of not getting enough gas exchange.
If it is for jumpers you could build a mesh top.

 

[dsmhero]

Yes just jumpers. I was about to add a skimmer which I would figure would help with the gas exchange. Do you have any good ideas on how to make a nice mesh screen when the front of the tank is bowed?

 

[Peppie]

What kind of tools do you have access to??

 

[Sasquatch]

cut some holes in the acrylic piece you made and glue gutter guard to it

 

[dsmhero]

What kind of tools do you have access to??

Pretty much anything auto related.

cut some holes in the acrylic piece you made and glue gutter guard to it

I like that idea.

 

[Peppie]

I was thinking of cutting a larger hole in the lid you have. If you leave say a 1 1/2'' edge all the way around, get some 1/4'' fiberglass mesh and hot glue it to the cut out lid

Sas's idea will work also but you will block some light out the mesh on the gutter guard in kinda dense.

 

[dsmhero]

Lowe's has this thin plastic bird netting that looks like it will work perfectly(I may have to double up if the holes are too big. I think I will cut out a hole and then ziptie the netting on.

Thank you all for the help and if you want I will post pictures once it is done.

 

[Peppie]

Pics are required on all DIY

 

[rainydave]

On my BC29 with a curved front I built a frame from the aluminum window screen framing material, then used that plastic bird netting. It left a small gap at the front. My fish weren't precision jumpers so they couldn't hit the slot.

 

[mcoomer]

I'd cut that acrylic so that only a thin frame remains and use hot glue or adhesive to attach a thin mesh to it. You could cut it with a jigsaw and glass or diamond grit blade. If you have access to a router, even better. Once you cut it you can smooth the edges with very fine sandpaper. Another option...Jason at Clear Fabrications. He does really great work and I doubt it would cost you much to have it done.

Mike

 

[Chichas01]

It looks like your tank top has a curve/arch to it. Here's an example of a screen I made with a screen kit and bird netting from Mclendons to give you an idea how you might do one for your tank

 

[jrgilles]

I did screen tops like the above post. I have a TON of 1/4" mesh. You can have some for free if you want it. I had to buy something like 12'*6' when I bought it online. I probably have some spline too. All you would need to buy is the frame and corner pieces, which are cheap at any hardware store.

PM me if you want some free screen material. I live near where I-5 and I-90 cross.

 

[dsmhero]

Wow thank you all for the input!

Here is what I ended up doing...

I will probably switch to the BRS 1/4" clear screen but this will do for now.

Jrgilles - Thank you for the offer! I will be sure to remember that if I need to make a switch.

 

[jrgilles]

Beautiful lid. nice work