DIY: BC29 or any AIO Splash Guard Replacement

[jcreefer]

Hi Everyone,

 

I've seen recently quite a few people looking for a replacment BC29 splash guard due to cracking or fading. After searching online for a replacement (Coralife discountined the hood), I decided to make my own, having no luck finding a stock replacement. This DIY would apply to all other sizes as well, BC14, BC29 (Oceanic or Coralife version). You just need the measurement of the stock splash guard. I used 3/8in thickness, but you can use a thicker one if you like.

 

 

I measured the dimensions of the stock splash guard and had TAP Plastic cut me the following:

 

1 sheet 18.5in x 10.5in

2X 18.5in x 1 3/8in strips

2X 10.25in x 1 3/8in strips

 

Cost

Plastic sheets: $10

1 clear solvent/cement $6

1 applicator $3

1 plastic drill bit $3

6 #6 2in metal screws $1.90

 

Total cost: $~24

Total labor/time: 0.5hr

 

 

Before:

 

After:

Here is the semi-finished final product (I haven't peeled off the blue shield yet). I lay the original hood on the sheet to drill the holes for the mounting. I plan on installing a Rapidled retrofit kit into the hood.

[captmilkchoco]

Hi! Sorry to open up an old topic, but I just received an Oceanic BioCube 29 from a buddy. I definitely need a new lens cover/splash guard. How did this mod hold up? And do you have any other information about what plastic you used? Just looking at the TAP plastics site, there seems to be a lot of options. Thanks so much!

[Water Dog]

I dunno how it will turn out, but based on Jcreefer's post, I ordered some pieces of clear 1/4" extruded acrylic with routed edges (to make welding easier) in the following sizes:

1 @ 18.5" x10.5"

2 @ 18.5" x1.5"

2 @ 10" x1.5"

My measurements for the end pieces are slightly different from above to account for the abutting edges. I also ordered a 5/32 acrylic drill bit to drill the fastener holes as I will be using 2" #6 stainless steel panhead screws to attach the slashguard to the hood. The parts are coming later this week so I'll know more then.

[jcreefer]

Hi Captmilkchoco,

 

Water Dog is correct, you can use basically any thickness of plastic, I forgot what thickness I ended up using, maybe 1/4in. I also forgot to account for the butting of the pieces like Water Dog did, so be sure to subtract the thickness (x2) for the length of the two long thin pieces. This wasn't a big problem, just something to be aware.

[Water Dog]

So, I got the pieces from Tap Plastics and they welded together quite nicely. However, I'm feeling like the 1/4" thick acrylic splashguard feels slightly heavy. Since I like to tinker, I just put another order into Tap Plastics for 1/8" clear extruded acrylic in the following dimensions:

 

1 @ 18.5" x 10.5"

2 @ 18.5" x 1 3/8"

2 @ 10 1/4" x 1 3/8"

 

If anyone wants a solid 1/4" thick clear acrylic DIY Oceanic 29 splash guard, let me know.

[jamescstein]

Post it in the forsale forum. I would bet you'll sell it in a couple days if not 1.

[Water Dog]

Thanks, I'm thinking I just may keep it. It can be used as one heck of a wet tray to keep gear when feeding or doing maintenance.

[captmilkchoco]

So, I got the pieces from Tap Plastics and they welded together quite nicely. However, I'm feeling like the 1/4" thick acrylic splashguard feels slightly heavy. Since I like to tinker, I just put another order into Tap Plastics for 1/8" clear extruded acrylic in the following dimensions:

 

1 @ 18.5" x 10.5"

2 @ 18.5" x 1 3/8"

2 @ 10 1/4" x 1 3/8"

 

If anyone wants a solid 1/4" thick clear acrylic DIY Oceanic 29 splash guard, let me know.

 

Let me know how this turns out (pictures would be nice too). I'll be placing an order for supplies in the next couple weeks.

[Water Dog]

Will do. The pieces from Tap Plastics should be here by Friday... I'll try to get it done this weekend or early next week.

[Water Dog]

Alright guys... The 1/8" extruded acrylic sheet cut and edge routed in the following dimensions work perfectly.

 

1 @ 18.5" x 10.5"
2 @ 18.5" x 1 3/8"
2 @ 10 1/4" x 1 3/8"

 

I apologize for the crappy cellphone pictures. Also, I'd like to credit and thank jcreefer who was creative enough to lay the groundwork for this and Dave Fason, for making some killer lights!

 

For reference, here is the 1/4" splash guard that felt on the heavy side. It now serves as my maintenance wet tray.

 

Here are the pieces all laid out.

 

Taped and ready to be welded.

 

Here it is, welded together. Not the best welding job, but it works!

 

Here is the original hood with a crack down the middle. It was actually a lot worse, yellowed and clouded, but Dave of Nanobox was kind enough to give it a good buffing to clear it up a bit when he installed my Nanobox Retro. Still, I felt that Dave's lights deserved better...

 

Here it is mounted, before screwing it in. It actually locks perfectly around the outer perimeter of the raised ridge where the old splash guard locked into.

 

Here it is, screwed on with the 2" #6 screws and washers. Now my Nanobox Retro has a proper splash guard!

 

Here is a FTS of my BioCube. It's still cycling so it's just dry rock, dry sand and a rotting piece of shrimp. With the new splash guard, the tank seems much brighter and the shimmer is more pronounced.

 

I hope this was helpful!

[captmilkchoco]

Looks great! I'll be modding my stuff soon enough. Thanks for the information, jcreefer and Water Dog!

[jcreefer]

Looks great Water Dog!!! Glad I could pay it back to the community, and you even improved it!!! I will update the measurements up top to make sure those are reflected appropriately.

 

Jeff

[jrwoltman]

Water Dog and jcreefer,

 

Thank you for sharing your builds. Water Dog, when you welded the pieces, did you put the edges on top of the main piece or on the sides?

 

Thanks,

 

Jim

[Water Dog]

On top. With the given measurements, you will see how it fits together once you get the pieces..

[jrwoltman]

Water Dog and jcreefer,

 

Thanks again for sharing all of your information. I made my new light box yesterday, and although it is not perfect, it is pretty awesome. Tap Plastic for everything was going to be about $80. I actually bought the acrylic from Ace and they cut it to size there for free. It is a little thinner and the cuts weren't perfect, but for $13.99, who can complain. Weld-on, applicator, needle, and bit from Amazon for $21. About $35 in total for the whole project.

 

[jrwoltman]

Final product.

 

[Water Dog]

Sweet... Nice job!

[jrwoltman]

Sweet... Nice job!

All because of you, my friend!!!