DIY screen top that dont bow?

[Devaji]

Hey R2R,
well a custom acrylic top is out of the budget so going back to the DIY idea.
the 1st one I made bowed and got all messed up...

and any one recommend a brand that will not do that?
tank is a rimless 36x24...

 

[jrill]

Screen frame material from big box store. 1/4" screen material on Amazon. Easy build that you can customize.

 

[Devaji]

Screen frame material from big box store. 1/4" screen material on Amazon. Easy build that you can customize.

yeah I have built one just like before it seems to bow after some time. was wondering i f there was a better brand on screen frame to use, like an industrial one..

 

[Devaji]

anyone?

 

[roberthu526]

I got the frames from Home Depot and it never bowed. It’s been almost two years now.

 

[Fin]

What is bowing? The frame or the netting?

 

[Devaji]

@Fin the frame it self. I guess it more like twisted. it was made to sit on top of the tank not into tho so made that was why?

 

[vetteguy53081]

anyone?

Check artfully acrylic

 

[Fin]

@Fin the frame it self. I guess it more like twisted. it was made to sit on top of the tank not into tho so made that was why?

You may have the screen too tight. The screen should be tight enough to keep it from sagging, but if the screen is too tight, it can distort the shape of the frame.

 

[Devaji]

You may have the screen too tight. The screen should be tight enough to keep it from sagging, but if the screen is too tight, it can distort the shape of the frame.

ah I did not know that. I thought it was supposed to be tight as can be. I bet that is the reason.

 

[Devaji]

Check artfully acrylic

love there lids just out of my budget for a lid. I am sure there worth it but $$$ I would rather spend that money on goodies to go inside the tank. now if thy had a supper sale I would prob. do it.

 

[mta_morrow]

I purchased the Red Sea DIY for my 60 x 23 tank.

I believe it was around $50 - $60.

super easy to cut, and build and no sagging at all...…..I will see if I have any pics to attach shortly, or you can see pics in my build thread...….follow the link in my signature.

 

[cracker]

@Fin nailed it !

 

[Devaji]

thanks guys as much as I would LOVE a custom acrylic lid just cant spend the cash when DIY almost looks as good if I can keep it from bowing then I am happy with it.

 

[vetteguy53081]

thanks guys as much as I would LOVE a custom acrylic lid just cant spend the cash when DIY almost looks as good if I can keep it from bowing then I am happy with it.

Food for thought. a glass shop that does windows and window screens may be an option

 

[Devaji]

^interesting idea