For those of you using screen tops....

[Mike in CT]

Hello fellow reefers,
As of now I am still using my old glass tops on my 75. I am considering going with screen tops to reduce
having to always clean the glass tops and also help with cooling the tank down in the summer. I do enjoy
the fact that the glass tops keep salt creep down, and that my lights are protected from any salt spray.
(Taotronics hung about 8 inches above tank). I was wanting to get opinions from people using screen
tops about how much salt creep you are getting coming through the screen, and if it is affecting your lighting.(rust and such).
Anyone regret moving over to screen tops?

Thanks!
Mike

 

[shred5]

Screen tops are far better than glass.. They allow for oxygen exchange, cooling and unless you use starfire glass will allow for more light. No salt creep.. You wil need to wipe the fram down occasionally. Galss needs to be wiped down more and eventually hardwater deposits have to be removed from galss.

Why would screen rust? Most people use a clear nylon screen like what BRS sells:
Clear Netting - Bulk Reef Supply

They also sell the corners and framing. The framing is aluminum and the corners plastic. These can also be picked up at you local Homedepot or hardware store.

BRS sells a kit for it too...

Very few people use glass anymore.

I recommend a screen top because I have had too many fish jump lately even fish like angels which are not jumpers. If you have fish like wrasses, jaw fish, firefish etc it is a must.

 

[Mike in CT]

Thanks for the reply Dave, I was wondering if the salt spray coming through the screen was causing anyones
light fixtures to rust.

 

[The Flying Turkey]

Anyone have a way to place a screen inside the rim of a rimless tank?

 

[shred5]

Anyone have a way to place a screen inside the rim of a rimless tank?

Dont some of the new rimless innovative marine tanks come with them.. Someone who owns one may have a answer. Be interesting to hear too...

Thanks for the reply Dave, I was wondering if the salt spray coming through the screen was causing anyones
light fixtures to rust.

I havent but my fixture is pretty high and also has a acrylic shield.. But most people dont have any cover or a screen and I dont think most have a issue...
I have had issues with fixtures with metal legs and the legs would get a little rust sometimes like the tek t-5 fixtures..

 

[Jimbo662]

I'm actually in the planning stages of building a screen for a rimless. I'll post a build thread as soon as I get it going.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

I had glass tops, egg-crate, and all they ever did was disperse the light and get all dirty.

I went to home depot and purchased some bird netting, and screen window DIY. Took me roughly 30 minutes and they fit like a champ.

 

[SloppyJ]

Dont some of the new rimless innovative marine tanks come with them.. Someone who owns one may have a answer. Be interesting to hear too.

..

They come with these little clear tabs that fit over the rim and allows you to place something on the inside. Wouldn't be hard to make.

 

[Daddio]

I have been going topless for about a year and I love it.

 

[Mike in CT]

Thanks for the replies. I bought some clear netting a while back, guess I need to build some frames and give it try!

 

[trido]

I bought the screen from BRS and had the framing from a window job I salvaged them from. My fish dont splash water high enough to get water on the lights and after a couple years the frames still aren't rusty. I have lost too many fish over the years without anything to stop them from jumping.