anyone using egg crate for an aquarium top?

[pilot108]

I've been thinking about using plastic egg crate for a aquarium lid. I have a mixed reef tank will it block out to much light? My tank is 40 gallon with 2 Kessil a160we.

 

[B22]

Why not use a screen top? They set kits for the screen top that are easy diy

 

[kendavjac]

I have used them on the past tanks. I was running my LEDs at about 50%, so I had plenty of power to spare. I have never used kessils before, so I don't know if the egg crate would cause any spot lighting issues.

It's pretty cheap, I would give them a shot. You would only be out $20 if you didn't like it.

 

[pilot108]

Why not use a screen top? They set kits for the screen top that are easy diy

I have a hang on back skimmer and overflow box so I was thinking it would be easier cut egg crate to go around all that stuff.

 

[reefwiser]

If this is in an effort to stop fish from jumping out of the tank. you will really have to watch your cutting of the egg crate to do that with a hang on the back skimmer. I used egg crate 30 years ago on my aquariums before I got smart and read about using a screen top. Besides my wife would never let eggcrate in "HER" living room just looks bad.

 

[Goldenvue]

I use it to cover my over flows

 

[Reefrookie220]

Google it, it can cause separation of your spectrum causing the green spots or as I like to call it, disco ball look lol

 

[LostInTheDark]

I used egg crate initially but switched to a screen too after a Mandarin and an Aura goby both managed to jump through it and toast on top. It did block light which was also an issue. It's better to do it right the first time and not have to worry about it anymore.

 

[Wiz]

Its bad with light. No doubt. The netting is super cheap at brs or amazon. And you can go to home depot and use home window screen frames to build it. A jig saw is what I used. But I'm sure any saw wi ll work. It should not be hard to go around filters. Cut pieces to length and use corner pieces. Super cheap and easy. Built my 30l cover for $15 roughly

 

[dball711]

A jig saw is what I used. But I'm sure any saw wi ll work. It should not be hard to go around filters. Cut pieces to length and use corner pieces.

Yup about any saw will do, I used a miter saw to get nice even cuts. Wiz did pretty good with a jig saw, not sure my hand is that steady.

 

[pilot108]

OK thanks everyone! I decided to do it right and make a screen top, I just picked up a screen kit from home Depot and ordered clear screen off eBay (cost about $20)

 

[Wiz]

Not sure how the kit works as i bought the parts seperate. But be sure to grab a few extra corner pieces if you intend on going around the filters. hope it turns out well. Post a pic when your done. Or maybe even a cover build thread. I should have done that.

OK thanks everyone! I decided to do it right and make a screen top, I just picked up a screen kit from home Depot and ordered clear screen off eBay (cost about $20)

 

[B22]

Good choice going with the screen. You will be much happier in the long run over the eggcrate

 

[cmcoker]

Didn't see anyone specify, but the 1/8" netting is better because small fish can go through the 1/4". Have seen people overlap the 1/4" as well..

 

[Harry_Y]

I have a hang on back skimmer and overflow box so I was thinking it would be easier cut egg crate to go around all that stuff.

My thoughts on this are to use egg crate in the back (so you can cut around the equipment
and screen in the front as it blocks less light and would be easier to remove)

 

[cmcoker]

Someone posted some stuff they got at a Hobby store for cutting around their HOB equipment.
I saved the pic cause I'm thinking about setting back up my 20g. Can't remember the name of the thread or poster but I'll try to find the link.
They said it was cheap, rigid and easy to use