Anyone uses actual window screen for screen top?

[reefer333_]

Hey reefers,

I am currently using 1/4" mesh top from BRS on all my tanks, but I want to keep very small jumpers like Yasha goby and ruby red dragonet in my nano. I have kept both in the past and they both jump through the mesh top and land it on top of it. I know there is 1/8" mesh size, but from youtube video (inappropriate reefer), his yasah goby still jumped through 1/8" mesh. So wondering whether anyone has used actual window screen on top of their tank and want to know whether light penetration is drastically reduced if using window screen. Thanks.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Ya black window screen will block alot more light then clear screen. For little jumpers like that a glass or acrylic lid is probably better

 

[Tastee]

I used what we call flyscreen for the temporary lids on my tanks before I got Clearview lids. I used the standard black fibreglass flyscreen that is the most common one we buy here in Australia. I had a Par meter when I setup the second tank so I was able to measure the impact and found it cut Par by about 35%, so a pretty big impact.

This wasn’t an issue for me as I only used this whilst getting the tank up and running and I only had a few corals under it for a month or so.

 

[CrimsonTide]

I built a screen using the black mesh screen window screen and I can tell you it does reduce your light output. You would probably have to ramp up your lighting if you go that route. It has been fine on my lps and soft coral but it definitely reduces par. I would do an acrylic top with holes of some kind but it will definitely work. It is a good and cheap thing to do until you get the acrylic lid.