Galvinised mesh lid

mark freshwater · Jul 15, 2018

Hi,
i put a post up and got so great info about using clear mesh for lids,
i was wondering if you can use galvinised mesh instead , i saw some today at the local hardwarw chain
https://www.bunnings.com.au/whites-600mm-x-900mm-x-12-7mm-x-12-7mm-wire-mesh-mini-panel_p3040669
and could i paint it with white rustoleum
thanks mark

cracker · Jul 15, 2018

Hello Mark, I'd "think" it would be Ok for a while however after time I think the corrosive salt would take a tool. Why not the mesh & window frame ?
Did I see your a freshwater keeper? that would buy you a lot more time.

Ryanbrs · Jul 15, 2018

Salt spray will likely find a way to destroy it over time. The flat firm sheet is attractive though.

redfishbluefish · Jul 15, 2018

I would simply avoid any and all metals, especially when you have non-metal options. As @cracker stated, it might last a little bit....but the other consideration is that galvanized does not take paint very well.

So you have a couple options.....
1. BRS sells a kit made out of plastic
2. You could buy the same or similar parts from HD
3. You can DIY a frame out of wood and attach netting to it. This is what I did for my QT tanks, and I used bird netting (about 1/2 inch square holes) that I had from when I grew various kinds of berries. If you're in the central NJ area, I could give you some.

Note that I wasn't out to make my DIY frames look pretty....just functional.

garethwood · Jul 15, 2018

galvanised anything is pretty evil stuff : ( i wouldnt use it anywhere near a tank... especially salt water, it will destroy the coating in a week! contaminates in the zinc coating is pretty harsh.. the process it goes thro has so many nasties.. thats before youve even gotten to the poor qualtity mild steel its covering up.
A BIG NO from me

mark freshwater · Jul 15, 2018

hi,
i was just looking for a cheap option (spent enough this last week),
here in australia the 1/4" clear net is $35 delivered then about $45 to make the frame from screen door frame etc.
so $17 was sounding pretty good.
i have glass lids but would prefer open.
im getting some led lights next week and wold like to get the most out of them.
The kits look good but cost alot to ship over here.
After reading the comments , i might buy the net and just cable tie it to a wood frame until i make a more rofessional looking frame,
and i can just cut the cable ties and reuse the net.
I also was looking for a magnet way to do it , i looked for strips but hard to find ones to suit .
Theres is alot more choice in the US but anything i order takes about 3 weeks and is costly .

garethwood · Jul 16, 2018

I used these plastic clear glass clips, and egg crate to make a temporary lid when my wrasse started jumping..... a year later... still in use : )

mark freshwater · Jul 16, 2018

very neat

, do you find u lose much light with the eggcrate?

kirstyflash · Jul 16, 2018

@mark freshwater, fellow Aussie here. Could use Velcro to secure it in place or go to the reject shop and get their window flyscreen kit, it contains a soft fabric mesh and sticky back valcro to attach it. Only $5 for the pack. If you make a wood frame you can attach it to, it might be a cheaper option. I can’t find the product online, but I have a spare here, let me know if you are interested, I am happy to send it, just pay for postage

mark freshwater · Jul 16, 2018

Velcro sounds like a winner , i have to go near the reject shop this week so ill have a look, whats the rough size of the spare? i need 2x 55cm square.
thanks

kirstyflash · Jul 16, 2018

mark freshwater said:
Velcro sounds like a winner , i have to go near the reject shop this week so ill have a look, whats the rough size of the spare? i need 2x 55cm square.
thanks

Shi# loads bigger than that. It’s about 1x2m if not bigger