[MCHRKiller]

After not finding much out there which suit the lighting needs for my 55G planted, I have opted to go back to the good old standby of a 2 bulb shop light will grow most common plants. My question isnt really about the lighting, it is about the acrylic sheet I plan to use over the tank.

I dont have a glass top on this tank and given how narrow they are for a 55G I dont want to be hindered with the black strip. I felt that acrylic could be of more use especially if I decide to add a 2nd light down the road. I know the .08 acrylic is going to warp like mad. But how about the .22in thick acrylic? Will it stand up to the heat of a 64watt shoplight?

 

[MCHRKiller]

I meant the black hinge that is on many versa tops..on a 55G top the section for the light to sit on is never wide enough for most light strips. I would never attempt to remove a center brace from a standard tank, their glass is just too thin without it.

I was looking to a solid acrylic top as it would offer more light penetration and not have that black hinge which would give me more space for lighting options. I could also custom fit it to my equipment. My question was how badly would the .22" thick acrylic bow and what could I do if anything to prevent this from happening.

 

[MCHRKiller]

Hmmm...excellent idea I had not considered that! Thanks!

 

[MCHRKiller]

Yeah if the .5 bows this still will certainly bow as well. I had used the .08 many years and it bowed very bad. However I had hoped the thicker acrylic would remain resistant to the heat.