Acrylic or Mesh Top??

Powerdrum · Jan 17, 2018

I'm thinking of getting a top for Deep Blue Sea 80 gallon (48 x 24 x 16) but I'm not sure if I should get a Acrylic top with a couple openings or mesh? Can you let me know your thoughts or what you would do??
Thx!!

Crabs McJones · Jan 17, 2018

Powerdrum said:
I'm thinking of getting a top for Deep Blue Sea 80 gallon (48 x 24 x 16) but I'm not sure if I should get a Acrylic top with a couple openings or mesh? Can you let me know your thoughts or what you would do??
Thx!!

Nice looking tank and I LOVE the AP700! I would go with the mesh screen. with the acrylic raising temperatures and gas exchange become an issue.

Jeepguy242 · Jan 17, 2018

^^ this

landlubber · Jan 17, 2018

mesh for the display, acrylic for the sump only

Orm Embar · Jan 17, 2018

Another vote for mesh - BRS had a video on the clear mesh blocking very little light. I went with their DIY kit and Inno's aquarium lid clips. You can also get ones pre-done from Artfully Acrylic and Octo Aquatics.

NanoCrazed · Jan 17, 2018

Mesh... . order the clear mesh from Amazon ($11) , and get the frame from Home Depot (~$4 / 6ft strip).

For a cleaner look -- get these flared ends instead rather than clips (credit goes to @geniusgio for the find): https://www.swisco.com/Overlap-Scre...-Keys-for-5_16-inch-Thick-Screen-Frame/95-221

ca1ore · Jan 17, 2018

Do you have to use a top? I've yet to see one that doesn't ruin the rimless aesthetic for me.

geniusgio · Jan 18, 2018

NanoCrazed said:
Mesh... . order the clear mesh from Amazon ($11) , and get the frame from Home Depot (~$4 / 6ft strip).

For a cleaner look -- get these flared ends instead rather than clips (credit goes to @geniusgio for the find): https://www.swisco.com/Overlap-Scre...-Keys-for-5_16-inch-Thick-Screen-Frame/95-221

Thanks buddy. If you guys have any questions , let me know

Powerdrum · Jan 18, 2018

Thanks everyone for helping me with this!!!! Im gonna wait a bit and probably go with the mesh screen.

MaiReef · Jan 18, 2018

Mesh, Get a polycarbonate

http://artfullyacrylic.3dcartstores.com/ClearView-Lids_c_52.html

Powerdrum · Jan 18, 2018

MaiReef I was looking at these yesterday do you have one of the Artfully Acrylic Lids?

monkiboy · Jan 18, 2018

check out the feedback threads before working with someone.

cromag provides some excellent service and turn arounds on a high quality product -
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/this-is-what-a-real-lid-looks-like-review.306428/

Scottsquatch · Jan 18, 2018

Mesh all the way.

Powerdrum · Jan 18, 2018

Monkiboy Thx for the headsup !!!!

MaiReef · Jan 18, 2018

Powerdrum said:
MaiReef I was looking at these yesterday do you have one of the Artfully Acrylic Lids?

No, but I do plan on ordering them(Forgot about Octo Lids, better service) as I did a DIY and would like a better fit on my aquarium.

RobertP · Jan 18, 2018

I made a mesh top and it was far easier than I thought it was. Never built any window screens but it is basically the same process just larger plastic mesh. I would suggest you make two separate screen tops. I started out with one but it was kind of a pain to pull this 4ft screen off each time I wanted to feed. So I made two smaller 2fters since I have a center brace it didnt really matter. With your nice rimless not sure how that will look though.

Orm Embar · Jan 21, 2018

NanoCrazed said:
Mesh... . order the clear mesh from Amazon ($11) , and get the frame from Home Depot (~$4 / 6ft strip).

For a cleaner look -- get these flared ends instead rather than clips (credit goes to @geniusgio for the find): https://www.swisco.com/Overlap-Scre...-Keys-for-5_16-inch-Thick-Screen-Frame/95-221

I may have to get 4 of those flared end corners - that would be cleaner! Thanks for the link