Help Me Cover This Tank!

dochow · Dec 30, 2016

75 gallon marine land tank. 4' long. I have 2 Kessils mounted to back. There is a middle brace over the tank which separates the tank in two halves in order to cover it. Pictures attached.

I have wrasses so I need something that will protect from jumping. I do not want to use glass anymore.

Any suggestions?

Thank you!

nitro · Dec 30, 2016

Go to BRS and get a screen kit they are easy to build inexpensive and work great.

DracoKat · Dec 30, 2016

Bulk Reef Supply sells kits to make your own screen top. I use this and it's great. It allows light and air through and easy to put together

twilliard · Dec 30, 2016

Oh ya!

michael.cser20 · Dec 30, 2016

I use a metal screen for reptiles for my 75 it's already made and cheap on amazon. Never had a problem with rust either

gus6464 · Dec 30, 2016

If you want to pay less than BRS, MD sells just the netting for cheap. Then just go to HD and buy a screen door kit for ~$10. With the metal tool to insert the netting in the frame you will be looking at ~$25.

smh254 · Dec 30, 2016

Check out these guys if you're willing to spend a little.NEW!! ClearView Frame Mesh Lids!!
https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/NEW!!-ClearView-Frame-Mesh-Lids!!.238354/

saltyfilmfolks · Dec 30, 2016

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/building-tank-lid.280874/

dochow · Dec 30, 2016

Thanks all. I'm going to buy he kit from BRS, not great at DIY.

How would you cut out the area for the kessil lights to attach to the tank through the screen?? See pic

dochow · Jan 14, 2017

So my BRS DIY rimmed tank cover with 1/4" netting arrived for my 4' 75 gallon.

I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to work around the Kessil fixtures on the back side of my tank.

I need ideas! I'm not a good DIY.

cromag27 · Jan 14, 2017

You can buy extra corner fittings and just make square cutouts for the light mounts.

ebushrow · Jan 14, 2017

Just realize that when you remove the glass and replace it with screen that the light intensity is going to be higher....just be careful with the corals...

dochow · Jan 14, 2017

cromag08 said:
You can buy extra corner fittings and just make square cutouts for the light mounts.

That will be pretty difficult to get perfect with measurements, but a good option. Worried I will screw it up....

I wonder if I can buy more corner fittings at Home Depot or if I will have to order from BRS.

Visualizing it in my head, I would need 4 more corners per light to get it around the fixture.

It would be better if I can use these AP700 light mounts that I am using with my 360's and mount them somewhere other than on the back rim of my tank.

I think they may make an extension, but it would be better if I can customize one...

dochow · Jan 14, 2017

BTW, I used to never have glass over the tank until my Starry Blenny jumped out.

Had him for over a year....he had a lot of personality

cromag27 · Jan 14, 2017

The big box stores should have them.

Ty Hamatake · Jan 14, 2017

dochow said:
That will be pretty difficult to get perfect with measurements, but a good option. Worried I will screw it up....

I wonder if I can buy more corner fittings at Home Depot or if I will have to order from BRS.

Visualizing it in my head, I would need 4 more corners per light to get it around the fixture.

It would be better if I can use these AP700 light mounts that I am using with my 360's and mount them somewhere other than on the back rim of my tank.

I think they may make an extension, but it would be better if I can customize one...

Were you planning on mounting the lights another way, or is that only a last resort?
I used the DIY screen top from BRS and the attached pictures are how I got around the cords coming out of my tank. It may or may not work with your light mounts, really all depends on how big they are.

A couple words of advice for setting it up. When you cut it, lay down something soft like cardboard and put the frame topside down (so you're cutting the underside). This prevents ugly scratches on the top if the blade slips. Also I got mine to fit perfectly by inserting a corner piece, placing the screen frame where it will be in the tank frame, and marking it where you need to cut. No measuring tape necessary and a perfect fit every time! Just from my experience

One thing I forgot to add that fairly important. Making the cutouts fairly significantly reduced the frame's strength. Not a big deal unless your screen is tight, then it might cause the frame to warp.