Custom Lids

[Sb1415]

Hi,

Looking for recs for a custom lid to prevent jumpers in the US. It is a 60x45x45 tank, with cut outs needed for lily pipes, skimmers and light holders. My main need is that it should allow for adequate aeration for proper gas diffusion, and not change light penetration a lot.



Thank you

 

[Koan]

I believe @Kwyet may have a lid from this guy very professional, very popular with reefers, he customizes as well

Kraken Reef® | Premium Rimless Aquarium Lids

At Kraken Reef, our primary goal is to deliver top-tier premium rimless aquarium lids and accessories tailored to suit your specific tank requirements. Our lids come pre-designed and are available for various production model rimless aquariums.

krakenreef.com

I have some custom Lids from this guy

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LidPropzShop

Great prices and a good guy.. a little tricky to work with PM me for details

 

[Kwyet]

No, I made all of my lids from either twin wall polycarbonate and plastic mesh or black corrugated plastic board and window screen. I do have one from Top Lids which I don’t use because it no longer fits after changing to an fx filter. That was expensive and took quite a long time, but it did look nice.

 

[Art]

I have the Kraken lid and can vouch for them. It's fantastic.

 

[Minninips]

I just ordered a lid from Kraken Reef. I'm hoping it arrives in the next week or so. I spent a lot of time measuring and emailing. Really crossing my fingers I didn't F up any of the measurements. I got a referral code after check out for a 10% discount I can share once I receive and verify the product.

 

[Sb1415]

@Minninips and @Art - i am trying to justify to myself (and to my spouse ) why spending the cost of the aquarium on the kraken lid (~180-220$ depending on customization) is worth it ? '

I am mainly try to keep fish from jumping out which seems to be a rare but real event which happens every month or so.

Thank you!

 

[Minninips]

If I'm not mistaken, you can buy the poly carbonate sheets and DIY it. The trade off of course is your time. To me, I don't have the time to do it, so I ordered the lid. I assume it's machine cut and will present very cleanly.


For reference, I spent just under $400 for mine, including the rush fee. I also contacted a local plastics company and their quote was similarly about $350. I figured I'd stick to the place that does nothing but aquarium lids.

As far as justification, fish are expensive as is the whole setup. Having just 1 $20 fish escaping isn't the end of the world, but having 1 fish from a pair jump out could be a big blow to more than just the wallet. I also have a 2 year old who will be in proximity to the tank often and I want to prevent any toys from becoming accidental tank decor.

 

[Art]

@Minninips and @Art - i am trying to justify to myself (and to my spouse ) why spending the cost of the aquarium on the kraken lid (~180-220$ depending on customization) is worth it ? '

I am mainly try to keep fish from jumping out which seems to be a rare but real event which happens every month or so.

Thank you!

I get it. I did too. It's understandable and good practice to do a cost benefit.

For me, I ended up getting a lot of active swimmers that I knew would end up on the floor because my aquarium isn't that large. To me, if I'm going to take on the responsibility to caring for an animal, I am going to do my best to prevent the careless death of said animal. At that point, I pulled the trigger.

 

[Koan]

why spending the cost of the aquarium on the kraken lid (~180-220$ depending on customization) is worth it

You know what they say..

 

[MrJG]

*now stares at 2” gaps at front and back of tank using UNS glass “lid”.

 

[gnatster]

I was going to make a screen cover. Made a template, then placed the corners. This ain't gonna work. I can't justify the cost of a custom lid from Kraken. I've ordered some 1/8" clear acrylic rectangles, cut to size. I'll cut out the corners for the pipes.

 

[Kwyet]

It’s not hard to DIY a lid, and it’s much, much cheaper. Plus, you can never change your arrangement with a manufactured lid. If you do, there goes $200-400 dollars out the window. I would much rather spend that on lighting, plants, fish etc. Once you are absolutely certain you’re never going to want to change anything, and already have all the essentials, then it might be nice to have professionally made lids.

 

[techman81]

It’s not hard to DIY a lid, and it’s much, much cheaper. Plus, you can never change your arrangement with a manufactured lid. If you do, there goes $200-400 dollars out the window. I would much rather spend that on lighting, plants, fish etc. Once you are absolutely certain you’re never going to want to change anything, and already have all the essentials, then it might be nice to have professionally made lids.

Yeah, someone's trying to sell a custom lid for a Waterbox 130 on FB Marketplace in the KC area and I'm just thinking, good luck.

 

[ElleDee]

I like the look of Kraken Lids and think I could deal with the issue of not being able to move around my equipment, but my worry is that the mesh is too large for nano fish, especially skilled jumpers. Could a betta or smaller killifish make it through the holes? What about Pseudomugils?

 

[Minninips]

The Kraken lid is technically plastic and could be modified in theory.

 

[Sb1415]

Do you guys mind sharing pics of your Kraken lid. Thank you

 

[Koan]

but my worry is that the mesh is too large for nano fish

I'm pretty sure he'll customize to whatever size mesh you ask for he responds very quickly to email

 

[Minninips]

My Kraken Reef lid arrived today! Excellent quality and fit (including custom cut outs). I'll post up some pictures this weekend.

 

[Minninips]

@Sb1415 Here's pics of the lid! The close ups are from when it immediately arrived, which it fogged up instantly. It's since just been condensation (as seen in the full tank shot). Planning to snap a few more pictures tonight or tomorrow. I'm thrilled with the quality of the lid! As I mentioned, I got a give 10% / get 10% referral at check out: You got 10% off!

I emailed back and forth with Kraken Reef with diagrams and all of the cuts were to my specifications. I originally was hoping to block off more around the lily pipes, but it just seemed overly complicated. I'm going to look into getting some mesh like what's in the center and DIY it.

 

[Koan]

block off more around the lily pipes

If it's to keep jumpers and shrimp in, you can also clip off a little block of 20 PPI foam and wedge it in there it's what I do