covering my viv?

[ghutch0203]

Im planning out a 55 gallon viv and had a question about how to cover the top. I know the frogs may/will climb so there must be a cover. I plan on taking my background all the way to the top and trimming it off level with the glass so that it sits just under the glass. This way there will not be a ledge for the frogs to sit on at the top. Anyways as for my pump tubing entering and exiting the glass top what would be the easiest way to do this? or should i use the aquarium top and just add screen to the 3inch wide gap in the back of it? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Garrick

[beckdg]

what kind of frogs?

[ghutch0203]

Not sure yet. Want the tank set up and flies going first but was thinking about the bumble bee leucs.

[beckdg]

a piece of lexan (polycarbonate) could be used and should be easy enough to drill or cut around whatever's necessary. you could get everything where you want it and make a template out of paper and bring it to a glazier and have them make you a piece to fit your top with all your equipment. either way you should still be able to use a living hinge so the front can be opened without fiddling with your equipment in the back.

silicone, screen, etc. could be used to fill in the small gaps once it's how you need it.

[RecycledAgain]

You have to be careful with those plastic/acrylic lids, I cant keep them from warping. I know people use them , the stuff they use must be thicker or something. I would use glass my self, exactly as beck suggested with the living hinge but on the back edge use that plastic strip that you find on standard fish tank hoods. One you have it
set up /holes cut notches made.. etc silicone all the edges and hardware holes and you are good to go.

Dan

[beckdg]

seems polycarbonate is the way to go as far as plastics, dan. i agree most plastics, especially acrylic are horrible real fast.

[froggsong]

If necessary to use plexi, you can reduce warping by making a frame for it and screwing it down to it.It doesn't have to be much, just enough wood to hold screws and not break when the plexi begins to warp. If you do the frame on top of the plexi, you can use it as a handle to open the lid.

[ghutch0203]

Thanks guys. That gives me an idea of which direction to go. But basicly use a full sheet of something and cut around your tubes and what nots. As for ventalation if its needed do you cut holes or am I just over thinking this and shouldn't need it.