Glass vs Polycarbonate Fish Tank Lids - Which One is Better??

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If you want to know how to make polycarbonate lids check out this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqq0lKiuf5yEjJY

[@unbrickablevow112]

Silicone in the holes?

[@fatman7100]

What is your opinion on screen cover lids for 40 gallons breeder?

[@midnull6009]

you've really aged between those 2 vids...only 2 years apart too... hope all is going well :)

[@Thomas.Saunders]

I know this is a little older video, but it's the first I've seen discussing the pros and cons of glass vs polycarbonate. Thanks much for this.

[@CraigBackus]

I love how you make quick corrections to videos with text overlays. It's a quick fix without having to reshoot the whole thing. Very smart!

[@cbi207]

Why don't you silicone the end of the polycarbonate lids? It would keep the moisture out and all it would take is a little bit along the edge.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hi Caleb. I was focused more on the standard way most people construct the lids, but you are absolutely right -silicone would definitely help! Thanks for watching!

[@Raitis.F]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Yeah, I wanted to suggest the same thing - fine layer of clear silicone will get that problem away. My biggest issue with the glass would be breaking accidentally. Any ideas on Harden glass or organic glass? (I'm thinking to move from 15gal to 90gal and but it under stairs-ish so a chance of something falling is increased.)

[@Red8675309666]

​@@Raitis.F if you get 1/4" tempered glass, you'll never break it. depends on what you're willing to pay though. a tempered glass lid for 90 gal would probably run you $100 if not more. but it's a one time cost and it'd last you forever.

[@Raitis.F]

@@Red8675309666 added to the list to consider... thank migration will be a considered and thought through process ;), but first we need to move in once construction is done ;) #PlanningAhead

[@lakedog3616]

@@Red8675309666 well the polycarbonate is $166 for a 2’x6’ piece. I thought it might e cheap , lol .

[@AbideinChristFully]

I'm glad you pointed out the problem with the open holes on the edge. I'm going to silicone it.

[@deejay2606]

@PrimeTimeAquatics, you can just add a little silicone inside the ends of the polycarbonate to prevent moisture

[@jamiestamand4840]

I have both actually. Plastic I love the flexibility of it. Great for custom aquariums that have a goofy fit, customize for the amount of hang on the back filters which is what we went with on the 60 gallon. I just went with a glass lid for my 29. The biggest disadvantage I see it scares the tetras from breeding. Otherwise I'm considering replacement of my polycarbonate and just put glass in on the 60. They just got cheaper than my polycarbonate

[@bornfree3963]

Hey Jason, you may want to try using U-shape plastic edging (similar to car door guards) to seal off the ends of your plastic lids, if they are a tight fit you may even skip the silicone. Just a thought.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Not a bad idea!

[@juliaburns1624]

I used a lexon polycarbonate sheet that I found at home depot. it was relatively easy to cut to my tank size and I think it has all the pros on both sides. it’s plastic so it is light and won’t break, but looks like glass so it is easy to clean and looks great. hope this helps! great video!! thank you!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad you were able to find some locally - I usually have to order it online. :-)

[@Red8675309666]

how thick did you go and what size tank do you have? I have a 40 gallon vivarium and i want a glass or poly lid, i was looking at the lexon, wasnt sure of the clarity

[@Puma1Sunfire1]

On the polycarbonate lids with the holes, can't you just put little bit of silicone sealent over it to keep the water out and stop that algae growth possibility?

[@TheChefmike66]

Thanks, Good information. I have two 10 gallon tanks that need lids, and I refuse to pay the money that everybody seems to want. The cheaper petco and petsmart lids seem to have black hinges which are going to block light. I'm just getting back into the hobby, and I plan on bigger tanks one day, so buying a sheet of polycarbonate seems like a great investment in future lids as well. If they get too dirty, or scratched from repeated cleaning, then I'll just cut new ones.

[@rickstalker6817]

Silicone the edges to keep things from getting trapped in the lids😎

[@lifehappens6447]

I prefer the polycarbonate lids. I just put silicon caulking on/in the edges. I have never had mold or anything. I unfortunately have a habit of dropping things, banging into, knocking off, etc...I broke ALL of my glass lids. Thankfully I've never broken a tank, knock on wood. Lol.

[@belle1256]

I have to say if you can afford it, the glass lids are so much better; stable and easy to clean. I had a fishroom and tried to cut corners with the twinwall but it was a mess to cut, wouldn't stay on the tank, algae grew in it or the water left hardwater and they got cloudy. So flimsy also if there is a light sitting on top it can fall right through into the tank. I wound up getting glass lids for the tanks I kept when I pulled the fishroom down. The glass lid dropping on the ground isn't a problem as the hinge holds the lid so you wouldn't drop the lid when feeding/doing maintenance. The plastic trim on the glass lids accommodates tubing and electrical cords as well. The only tank I have twinwall still on is the 50 gallon lowboy tank as Zoo Med never made a glass lid for the tank. I have a couple rimless tanks and have made screen tops for them to keep fish in, if you wanted you could do twinwall, but it kills the elegance of the rimless tanks IMO.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I wonder if you had the 6mm? The 8mm stuff for us doesn't get flimsy at all.

[@midnull6009]

Sounds like it was too thin. I had that problem with thinner polycarbonate.

[@belle1256]

I had acrylic sheets as well and the thickest I could buy would flex on me. Had to turn it around on a weekly basis.

[@danielgally6389]

at home depot the polycarbonate was far more expensive than glass. Only advantage to poly is you can cut it to fit filters heaters etc which is al to harder with glass

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I did a "How to save money" video on polycarbonate. There should be a link from Amazon - it was relatively inexpensive.

There are plastic parts that are meant to cover and close those holes on the ends of a polycarbonate sheet. I've installed them to close the holes on my DIY covers and nothing gets in.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Nice! Thanks for sharing

[@lunes-1]

thanks, your video help me to make up my mind about go for glass lid on my 15 gallon salt water tank. I am new on the hobby and was confused about what lid to use.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Awesome! Glad it helped.

[@joebama4440]

My left ear loved this video

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, that was back in the day when I got a new camera and didn't realize it wasn't in stereo. Rrrr

[@scottgreeson3568]

another advantage to polycarbonate is the better insulation that it provides. I think you would probably need to seal the holes to get the full effect and have little air pockets, but in general polycarbonate has much better insulation properties compared to glass.

[@Lflower1Stars]

Most glass lids ...flip...like slide lids ..makes it easier to do feed and do water change...can you do a video on how to do this...thanks..

[@libertybellcichlids3984]

Totally agree with you Glass lids unless you have a big fish room thanks for sharing good video

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@Scott-hq3df]

The simple fix for the polycarbonate lid holes is just dab some silicone into each hole and that will prevent water from entering.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yep!

[@pinheadlarry2506]

Good idea. I just recently made my first polycarbonate lid and I’ve got a feeding hole so I’ll probably seal it up with this. The silicone isn’t toxic to fish right? I assume not, but I thought I’d ask just in case.

[@njbaquatics4827]

What you were saying about food and water getting in you’re quite right to avoid this I just squirt silicon in them takes minutes and so is the problem

[@onehitterquitter2130]

Top Fin makes glass lids that fit most of the common tank sizes. An the prices aren't too bad.

[@richardwaldhouse8067]

I found that the side with tare off plastic is UV treated side you want it up they last a lot longer if you use UV lights.

[@Lumpydog]

Great idea for a video. Thanks for putting it together and the link. Cheers.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You're welcome!

[@Rojo-oe4ku]

You mention the disadvantage of warping for Polycarbonate on a 40 gallon breeder tank. Couldn't you cut a the long sheet in half to have two 18" pieces and eliminate some of the bending?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sure - it makes it a little harder when doing maintenance though.

[@FlatEarthPhotography]

Glass is heavy. I got my polycarbonate for free from a shop since they were leftovers. They even custom cut it for me :)

[@shaneferdz82]

Thanks for the comparison. How does polycarbonate fare with high intensity lighting and heat.. Will it bend or melt with that heat?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Holds up well! Especially the 8mm stuff.

[@shaneferdz82]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks, so sounds like thicker is better then. I was planning on 4mm

[@jpbsc2009]

subject is covered well. Know from personal experience you were right on.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@tekjunkie28]

Which one allows more light through.. it looks like glass would with the glare coming off the poly but ive seen stranger.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven’t noticed a difference.

[@RiversPhotography]

Thank you!! This helped me so much

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

QuotationFingerzYT good to hear!

[@scottiethefishfreak]

replay crew! Thanks for the info

[@bornfree3963]

Good comparison of the two, thanks Jason!

[@kentsfish9761]

What about adding silicone to the ends of the sheet

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That certainly may help. I may do that when adding the next rack of tanks.

[@stephenmartin7227]

That’s what I was thinking too!

[@GlassSurfing]

Thanks Jason!

[@kadyr8935]

I really appreciate this video! My question however, does polycarbonate affect RBG lights and reduce their effectiveness for plants?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Not that I have noticed.

[@adamdavi8869]

PTA- How does the different material affect lighting choices? Thanks-

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The poly seems to reflect a little more light into the surroundings, but I think the difference is negligible.

[@lalystar4230]

the polycarbonate lid, those holes that water can get stuck into... why not just glue them closed with a silicone or smt, heck, even hotglue might do the trick.

[@high_fructose_corn_syrup]

I have a 55g, are there advantages or disadvantages to using 2 glass lids vs one? Also, is there anything to do to prevent water etching or deposit build up in the glass?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Just makes it harder when cleaning the tank. Keeping the water filled to the black trim piece reduces the likelihood buildup will form.

[@jesserolli7711]

So is the light penatratsion better through the plastic? Even though you said there's more reflection

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I’m not sure there is much of a difference?

[@Incubyss]

what about how light passes through? Any big differences?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

No differences

[@pitdawg6418]

How bout 8mm plexiglas? It's solid dont have to silicone the open ends and can be cut to suit and shatter proof

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I may try that. : -)

[@ricbrunner3880]

The problem comes in when you have cats in the building.

[@alejandroc7357]

I'm so worried what my cat will try to do to the tank when Im at work.

[@rebeccajohnson1352]

I’ve always used the plastic lids that come with the tanks. They have the cut outs in the back for HOB and heater. I’ve upgraded to a canister filter and a fully submersible heater so those original cut outs leave a lot of space exposed for fish to jump out of. I have a 30g bow front planted aquarium, and have found a glass lid. BUT, what about the cut outs for my tubes and wires - can the glass be cut? Because I only have 1 tank, the cost of the diy lid and the glass lid would be about the same. Would love feedback/advice!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The glass can be cut usually, but it can be a little dangerous and might be best to let a pro do it (and sand down the edges as newly cut glass can be very sharp).

[@jimbaldwin1990]

I wear polycarb eyeglasses. The poly is supposed to keep out the UV light. Do the plants need that?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Unlikely, the lights used for growing plants in an aquarium put out far less UV (if any) than the sun. UV has extremely poor penetrating power.

[@quinmallory]

aren't those panels you purchased used for greenhouses? I would think they wouldn't limit plant growth that's what their designed for.

[@alexusrenee9903]

Should I be worried about gas exchange with a glass lid?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good question - not if you have a filter or air stone running in the tank.

[@ricktalley979]

Do you have a video about your lighting? Your tips are great! Thanks for sharing.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hopefully soon!

[@unbrekable100]

If you cut that polycarbonate 6mm the OTHER way (where the 'grain' is front to back instead of side to side) it doesn't sag. =)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

For sure, it just depends on the layout of all the pieces I need to cut from one polycarbonate sheet.

[@unbrekable100]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics I guess it comes down to wanting to maximize efficient use of the sheet vs how much you care about sag :D

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I actually use 8mm now and it doesn't either way!

[@unbrekable100]

Sorry, I didn't mean it that way! I meant for someone looking to make some of the plastic lids for themselves :D

[@seangere9698]

You do know that a little silicone in the ends of the polycarbonate will stop stuff from getting in them. And as most fish hobbyist have or can get silicone readily and know how to use it can fix it so nothing gets into the gaps. That's what I used to do for my dart frog tanks.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sean Gere Yep!

[@seangere9698]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics I figured that out quickly when I started having issues with condensation in them and algae growing in them because of it.

[@jwoodard621]

Hi there where do i buy it smashed 1 of the glass top that slide across the top have good christmas

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

There should be a link in the description?

[@neald501]

To avoid the water and algae getting into the ends why not seal it with some silicone

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

For sure. I'm starting to do that with my latest builds, but it is an extra step and added cost.

[@madhatterjones4781]

Hi mate love your channel. What's your thoughts on adding an airstone to a tank. Running a hob filter it doesn't produce much bubbles

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You can certainly do that if you want. Not necessary,, but it can look nice and be helpful if the filter ever goes down.

[@Coyo-Tea]

Could you not seal the edges with bath sealant tape @Prime Time Aquatics ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yep :-)

[@weloveyou1234]

Does the light go through the polycarbonate as much as the glass?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good question - yes, I haven't noticed a difference.

[@dajoke24]

You don't have to answer but curious what do you do for a living? Looking for career ideas

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I am a Biology and Microbiology professor and I absolutely LOVE it!

[@dajoke24]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Nice, thx

[@ricbrunner3880]

Flexible is not good when you have cats in the building.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good point. :-)

[@ricbrunner3880]

Prime Time Aquatics I learned that lesson I the late 70s. Had 300 breading tank in my building. I got some cats to keep the mice away. To save moneys if something similar. The cats would rather go fishing then hunt mice. Today I still bread fish but on a smaller scale just rare fish but my cats today still like to hangout on top the tanks. Lol

[@tori5423]

What about light panels? Like the one used in office building for the florescent lights? I'm going to try it out with my 40 breeder. Going to make a plywood frame until the frame with spray rubber like leak seal type stuff and silicone it to the Light Panel. Have you ever heard of somebody trying to do this?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven't seen that. My thought is the ones I've seen are opaque, so they might not let as much light through?

[@tori5423]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics true but twinwall polycarbonate is also opaque. Yet it has a higher par reading than glass if I'm not mistaken. I actually have a par meter at work. I'm going to test this out tomorrow with the par meter and I'll let you know what I find out.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Tori Gibson That’s awesome. Would love to hear your findings!

[@fatman7100]

What is your opinion on screen cover lids on a 40 gallons breeder?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They'll keep the fish in, but you'll also have a fair amount of evaporation.

[@thomsonlester6554]

Does the light go thru the plastic easy?!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sure does

[@maltahighjacker9842]

Do glass lids affect aquarium light for plants?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I have never noticed a difference.

[@frandegroat7943]

Doesn't plexiglass work ? Or doesn't plexiglass work for planted tanks ? Please reply as I have some plexiglass & a planted tank.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I have never used plexiglass so I'm not sure how plants would respond. As a covering that lets in sufficient amount of light for fish it would work just fine. Just not sure about the plants.

[@dougrhess]

Why not use plain, so to speak, polycarbonate instead of the kind with hollow spaces in it?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

This is easy to find?

[@deannesherriff3247]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You're welcome!

[@aljanecko]

If I ever go over my 10 tanks, I will go with the 8 mil, and I will silicone the holes to cut down on algae.

[@superunimportantman]

with the poly lid couldnt you just fill those end holes by just putting a bead of silicone across it

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hi Michael - I may do that with some of the new ones I'm making!

[@xxairman09xx]

I know you posted this 2 years ago, but have you noticed any differences in par readings?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven't done any par readings. Visually there isn't a noticable difference between glass and poly. Plants seem to do well in either tank too.

[@xxairman09xx]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics awesome, thank you for the reply!

[@Michael-4]

Poly, because you can usually get it for FREE and I'm accident prone.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I like it too :-)

[@aquariomaniagv3747]

Can I use polycarbonate to make A fish tank ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I don’t think so - it’s probably too pliable.

[@wtfn.z2441]

Hey man seen your shout out at the aquatic experience

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Awesome! Thanks for watching

[@gregorycruz8003]

What if you have an arowana

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You would definitely want to weight the lid down, but I would do the same with glass too.

[@raisinggoldfishonabudget7058]

not when you have a cement floor like I do & I have 5 tanks & 1 110 gal rubber stock tank.

[@plantedbowlaquarium]

Another disadvantage of glass lid is water marks

[@Mathias_NB]

Would just a single piece of thick plexiglass sag?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Depends on the length of the lid I suppose?

[@Mathias_NB]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics For a 20 long. If it did, I suppose I could glue on a couple of pieces of ultra thin, unpliable material from front to back...

[@VDD13X]

is it me or is the sound only comin on left side?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Could have been way back then!

[@RSP190166]

Glass back panel, Poly front panel.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Now there's an idea. : -)

[@RSP190166]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Great lighting and light cheap if broken main front panels. Best of both worlds.

[@zihaoluo3847]

Which one allows more light penetration ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The manufacturers say polycarbonate. I haven't noticed a difference and plants seem to grow about the same compared to glass.

[@shannonland1137]

poly will be my friend

[@kylerigdon9925]

Don even have to watch the vid just look at the ones he uses

[@nathanhenderson5994]

Put hot glue into the polycarbonate holes. Wipe off flush, and water won’t get in.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Love it!

[@RAZOR12334]

For a planted tank if I use any of the lid will it effect the growth of plants and also which will be better for planted tank.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glass and polycarbonate lids don't really have an impact.

[@RAZOR12334]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thanks for the answer.

[@Fiftybuckchuck]

Do i Need a lid for my 20 gallon tank?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I generally cover all my tanks (with a few exceptions). It cuts down on evaporation and fish jumping out of the tank. It's surprising how many fish like to jump! : -)

[@Fiftybuckchuck]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you, i will look into it.

[@wayne2411]

Thank you for making this video. Great stuff!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@AbideinChristFully]

I'll send you $20 if you can show me where to buy a lid for a dollar or so. I just paid $60 for a 36" x 48". (your link is showing a 2' x 6' for $166)

[@jheissongaona3935]

I sat on my glass for my 20g long so I came here for info😭

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad you are ok. : -)

[@wikiwing348]

I’m getting a glass lid

[@jamieeisenhower1560]

When you buy cheap you spend more in the long run does not make no sense to me just like cast iron and stainless steel is the way to go for cooking what's wrong with thicker fake glass with hinges that don't get exposed

[@FirstLast-numba1]

I just use plastic wrap

[@tacobandit774]

why does this video only use one side of the headset lol

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Because I was dumb when I first got my new camera and didn't realize my lapel mic wasn't coming through on both sides! Uhhhhh

[@tacobandit774]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics either way was good info i am glad i found the video i am setting up my first tank and i was trying to find a cheap way of making a lid and this video was pretty helpful i actually just got back from buying some of the polycarbonate

[@jimjones6960]

For some reason the sound on this video only plays through one speaker... bleh!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, it’s an old video and I was trying to figure out a new camera.

[@raychill163]

I am not a handy person can you recommend any good kid options?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think the best you could do is get them pre-cut at 4ft lengths. If you go with the thinner 6mm you can cut them with a strong, sharp pair of scissors. They may sag a little after a while, but they get the job done.

[@whitney6641]

There is someone on ebay that makes polycarbonate lids.

[@5wisher5weet]

I cut my 8mm polycarbonate roofing with a jigsaw

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I actually do the same. : -)

[@Mountainman1971]

Lol 166.00$ for a lid is Not cheap. Yikes.

[@bigbotno1]

Just use plexiglas, best of both worlds.