DIY screen lid

[PghReef]

Hey guys I know a lot of you have made your own tops for reefs.
I know brs sells kits and what not but they seem kind of pricey. Anyone ever use alternate materials. I know window screening is usually aluminum wasnt sure if you can spray paint it black to use over a tank or if you'd be worried of anything leeching from water concentrating and dripping into the reef. Also what do you use for the actual screen so it's safe and doesn't block much light?

 

[Philipgonzales3]

Hey guys I know a lot of you have made your own tops for reefs.
I know brs sells kits and what not but they seem kind of pricey. Anyone ever use alternate materials. I know window screening is usually aluminum wasnt sure if you can spray paint it black to use over a tank or if you'd be worried of anything leeching from water concentrating and dripping into the reef. Also what do you use for the actual screen so it's safe and doesn't block much light?

This is what I used.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BD6F64?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_pd_title

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07G75D8L7?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_pd_title

I already had the spline roller. I'm sure there are probably cheaper options but this worked fine for me.

 

[RMS18]

Hey guys I know a lot of you have made your own tops for reefs.
I know brs sells kits and what not but they seem kind of pricey. Anyone ever use alternate materials. I know window screening is usually aluminum wasnt sure if you can spray paint it black to use over a tank or if you'd be worried of anything leeching from water concentrating and dripping into the reef. Also what do you use for the actual screen so it's safe and doesn't block much light?

BRS selling the clear mesh which works great, doesn't block light much and it's available in two sizes. I have used the aluminum window screen frame from Home depot and sprayed it black using Krylon. Once cured it is reef safe.

 

[OutsideBrian]

I’m using a piece of lighting grid just cut down to size

 

[reelss]

I’m using a piece of lighting grid just cut down to size

Lightning grid? Link?

 

[dantimdad]

I designed and 3d printed corners for mine that use standard window screen frame.

Try to find cicada screen, it's black and believe it or not, doesn't rob as much light as the clear does.

If you paint it, use krylon fusion, it dries safe.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

Lightning grid? Link?

My guess would be that the person is talking about "eggcrate" light difusser.

Here is an example. They cary it at Lowe's and Home Depot. Can be used for a lot of different things like frag racks, skimmer stand, lid, etc.


https://www.1800ceiling.com/flat-style-light-lenses/egg-crate-lens-vents

 

[Billdogg]

Two problems with "eggcrate" One, it is actually a light diffuser, not exactly what we want. Second, the holes are ~1/2 x 1/2 and many fish will use them as targets to aim for when they jump.

I, too, went with aluminum window screen frame (I got dark brown) and 1/4" clear mesh from BRS. I built mine to two sections for each side of my 120DT. A very narrow section in back with a couple slits for cords to pass through that can stay in place, and larger front sections that are easily removable for easy access to the tank. Probably one of the best purchases I ever made for my tanks.

 

[OutsideBrian]

Two problems with "eggcrate" One, it is actually a light diffuser, not exactly what we want. Second, the holes are ~1/2 x 1/2 and many fish will use them as targets to aim for when they jump.

I am hoping I don’t have any fish small enough to get through that size hole.
As for light diffusing, how much diffusing will it do with that big of a whole. Think it would really effect the par any more or less than screen?

 

[Philipgonzales3]

I am hoping I don’t have any fish small enough to get through that size hole.
As for light diffusing, how much diffusing will it do with that big of a whole. Think it would really effect the par any more or less than screen?

8% based on the 7th post down. Or 15% if installed upside down. I don't know if that's accurate or what not just relaying what I found.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

Honestly I would just go with a window screen kit with the correct mesh for this purpose. To me $50 on a lid is a small cost for how much use I get out of it. Just me 2 cents.

 

[shiftline]

I used stuff from the fabric store

 

[Moronta12]

This is what I used.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BD6F64?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_pd_title

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07G75D8L7?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_pd_title

I already had the spline roller. I'm sure there are probably cheaper options but this worked fine for me.

Yes, 4 years later I'm here to say tank you.... Just order mine.

 

[Idech]

BRS selling the clear mesh which works great, doesn't block light much and it's available in two sizes. I have used the aluminum window screen frame from Home depot and sprayed it black using Krylon. Once cured it is reef safe.

@RMS18 it’s been a few years now. Are you still using the lid you painted with Krylon and has it ever leached aluminum into the tank ?

Thanks !

 

[sc50964]

Screen Tight 5/16 in. x 48 in. White Window Screen Accessory Frame Kit WSKIT51648 - The Home Depot

With Screen Tight window screen frame kit, you can build your own window screen to match the size of your existing or new window. The kit includes all parts needed to build your window screen, except for tools. This project is easy for any DIY'er or professional and doesn't take any previous...

www.homedepot.com

 

[RMS18]

@RMS18 it’s been a few years now. Are you still using the lid you painted with Krylon and has it ever leached aluminum into the tank ?

Thanks !

I no longer have that tank but had no issues with the paint. It held strong to the end of that system.