NEED REALLY NICE LID

Cell

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Who knows. I don’t like it for numerous reasons
Fwiw, it's easy to replace when it starts sagging or tears. The lids I've used are set up just like a DIY screen, with a spline to remove and replace the netting.
 

ccajigas07

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FYI all acrylic lids warp a little I have made 2 sets for mine and my last lids i made are 3/8 thick and it still warped

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VintageReefer

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Fwiw, it's easy to replace when it starts sagging or tears. The lids I've used are set up just like a DIY screen, with a spline to remove and replace the netting.
That is a valid point

I like to use lids to reduce evaporation and have more stable salinity and to retain heat better. And I like to use lids as a shelf here and there

My kraken mesh doesn’t do those things and always gets terrible salt creep
 

Kraken Reef

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Aren't all the major lid makers using the same mesh?
Polypropylene mesh is the standard.
That is a valid point

I like to use lids to reduce evaporation and have more stable salinity and to retain heat better. And I like to use lids as a shelf here and there

My kraken mesh doesn’t do those things and always gets terrible salt creep
For the evaporation, you could always use an evaporation cover; https://krakenreef.com/products/kraken-reef-evaporation-cover . This would also protect the mesh from having items layed on top. As for salt creep, that will happen with any piece of equipment where water wicks up then dries out. We design our lids to be the ideal solution for 99% of reefers, but everyones (such as yours) situation has variables and different needs/desires.
That is because acrylic warps under our lighting and conditions. It’s not the best material to use. You need a polycarbonate
Its actually because acrylic is more porous than polycarbonate, so in a humid situation like the lid, it will absorb water causing it to warp.
 

UtahReefer

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Within the last week I received my lid from Clearview lids. Really nice lid, very happy with the purchase. Everything showed up exactly as I requested. I have three feed doors (one on each end so I can put in my algae clips without lifting the lid). They were easy to work with and it took about a month.
 

WhatCouldGoWrong71

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Contact this guy through his website or email

He can make them custom for larger sizes and rimless tanks if you don’t mind it being in sections
Thanks. I need to get some quotes too. My new 96x36 peninsula will naturally need sections due to cross bracing. Perfectly timed post.
 

Seansea

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I got a clearview. The nice thing about them is it's like a puzzle. If you get new lighting or need a new configuration they can cut a new peice and send it to u to snap into your lid. I like mine alot
 

Tamberav

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72x30 x 24 looking for best custom lids?

Is plexi. Or acrylic a fine option ?

anyone point me in right direction as to where to order a super nice piece

IMG_4352.jpeg Did the old wire mesh DIY lid which works for now but it’s clunky and not great IMG_4292.jpeg

Octo aquatics would be my vote. They made my lid perfect.


I used clear view as my first lid and it was an absolute terrible experience with poor customer service. I do not recommend them at all. Use anyone but them and you will probably be fine.
 

Cell

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I used clear view as my first lid and it was an absolute terrible experience with poor customer service. I do not recommend them at all. Use anyone but them and you will probably be fine.
Same.
 

VintageReefer

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Polypropylene mesh is the standard.

For the evaporation, you could always use an evaporation cover; https://krakenreef.com/products/kraken-reef-evaporation-cover . This would also protect the mesh from having items layed on top. As for salt creep, that will happen with any piece of equipment where water wicks up then dries out. We design our lids to be the ideal solution for 99% of reefers, but everyones (such as yours) situation has variables and different needs/desires.

Its actually because acrylic is more porous than polycarbonate, so in a humid situation like the lid, it will absorb water causing it to warp.
I stand corrected on the causes for acrylic warping. Thank you

I will clarify my statement and opinion on the kraken lid. It fits my Waterbox perfect. It was made and delivered fast. It is a well made product. I do think anyone wanting a mesh lid would be happy with it

My complaints are oversights on my own account and have to do with mesh and not Waterbox. My primary concern was to protect my fish from jumping. I heard good things about kraken. They happened to make a lid for my tank. I bought it without much thought. It serves its purpose.

However my Waterbox evaporates like crazy and I’m refilling my ato every few days. The mesh on the lid collects salt creep. I feel if I was to repeatedly put stuff on the mesh - bottles, food jars, etc it will begin to stretch or sag. It doesn’t prevent pet fur from floating in my water surface. The downsides of a owning a shaggy dog :)

That’s not the purpose of this design and it’s not really a fault of the product

I do notice that on my 75g tank the polycarbonate lids avoid all of this. And they don’t get salt creep on underside because the constant process of water evaporating collects on the lid. Then drips back in the tank. Then collects again. The bottom never dries out to get salt creep. The top surface will get creep if I spill saltwater on it and don’t wipe it up.

I spent $120 on the lid for a 15g Waterbox tank
The dual polycarbonate lids for my 48” 75g tank ran me 90$ and address the issues I have with the mesh.

Some people like mesh. A lot of people do. But personally owning both style of lid, I find I like the solid lid better, and I have a few rows of holes for ventilation in the rear, and I put wet tools on them to drain back into the tank as they dry

Kraken does offer an optional solid top add on piece which would address all my issues, but it’s $80 which means I’m now all in for $200 on a lid for a nano tank. Compared to 90$ I spent for a solid lid for a tank over 4x the size

I am having the Walter lid company make a replacement right side lid to have a custom cutout hole for a plank I bought. I’m only being charged 40$.

So now I just have buyers regret but it’s my own fault for not researching options ahead of time and thinking out what I want from a lid. For my own needs and preferences I could have covered this Waterbox, prevented fish from jumping, prevented dust and pet fur from getting in the tank, reduced evap, and had my usable temp shelf, for $70. It now will cost me 80$ to solve the complaints I have with the lid I already spent $120 on
 

VintageReefer

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70$ Waterbox 15 polycarbonate lid - which also covers the rear filtration section and has a few cord notches

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80$ kraken cover
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So now my dilemma is no matter what, it seems this will cost me about the same to “fix”. I hesitate to say fix, because it’s not broken. Maybe a better term is “correct my oversight”

Do I spend 70$ and just get a polycarb lid or do I spend 80$ and get the kraken add on

I might buy the polycarbonate lid and try to sell the kraken lid at a nice discount to help out someone that wants one and recoup some of my costs of covering this tank
 

Cell

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I hate those plastic tabs.
 

RUKelly

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I have to say I am extremely happy with Top Lids (yeah they’re expensive but so beautiful and sturdy). I’ve had one on my DT (240 gal) for almost a year and recently got one for my 50gal. QT. They do take a long time to receive but so worth it IMO.
 
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