Has anyone used plexiglass or lexan as a top for rimless tanks?

[panman]

I have read that glass decreases par by 50% but has any one looked into plexiglass or lexan? Obviously netting would be better but not possible with my tanks design.

 

[Vnghost]

There was an experiment somewhere showing glass barely reducing par. Even dirty glass barely reduced the par. It was done on a freshwater tank though

 

[panman]

That's interesting because I read a similar post with data that appears to document a 50% decrease of par. I will see if I can find it. But my question really is about plexiglass or lexan. Has any one tried it or have an opinion?

 

[johnwin84]

i have an acrylic lid over my frag tank. it decreased the par by at least 10-15 percent. dont buy the plexiglass from hd or lowes, its to thin and will bow. My 1/4 inch lid is already bowing and it only a few months old.

 

[Vnghost]

Lexan will also bow from the moisture is what I heard somewhere

 

[panman]

I guess I am hearing that glass would be better. No bowing. Unfortunately I have to cut around the overflow trapezoid as it was made to high. Cutting it down would be problematic, although the best solution because I could use netting. Cutting screen around a trapezoid I think is a non stater. I called a screen guy and he said could not do it. Only can do 90 degree angles.

 

[Jhuneke]

IDK.. but if it was me I would have the screen made and do the cut out yourself.. it would not be framed out .. but it it is flexible screen then you could just make this cut out slightly smaller than actual overflow. That would make it a snug fit sliding onto the box.. and keep it from sagging into the waterline. Just a thought.. good luck. BTW will be needing a framed screen myself.. any place better than others to order from?