Mesh Top Material

LiveFreeAndReef · Nov 19, 2021

Hi All! I'm in the process of putting together a new build. (woohoo!!) My current tanks are uncovered, and I've paid the price to the tune of 3 clowns, a clown goby, and Claus my liner blenny (losing Claus was the worst one ;Sorry) So with my new build I'm planning to make a DIY mesh top. I was wondering what material would be best. I know anything metal is automatically out of the conversation, is there something in particular I should be looking for? Would fiberglass screen be okay? Polyester? Those are the two non-metallic options I've found in a brief search. What are you using for a screen top? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance!!

Edit: Totally unrelated, but Claus is a prime example of why I try not to name fish haha the ones with names are the first to go...

blaxsun · Nov 19, 2021

Nylon. You can just buy various DIY kits from BRS (etc.) suppliers, and I recommend this since they're aluminum (no rust) and can be sized to your exact specs.

Soren · Nov 19, 2021

I made mesh screens using BRS's nylon 1/8" mesh and basic window screen frames. I bought the frames through BRS, but local hardware stores should have the same materials available.

There are also many companies and individuals that make acrylic-framed mesh tops that can look really classy. They are usually custom-shaped cut acrylic pieces that are fused together with the mesh sandwiched in-between.

LiveFreeAndReef · Nov 19, 2021

Soren said:
I made mesh screens using BRS's nylon 1/8" mesh and basic window screen frames. I bought the frames through BRS, but local hardware stores should have the same materials available.

There are also many companies and individuals that make acrylic-framed mesh tops that can look really classy. They are usually custom-shaped cut acrylic pieces that are fused together with the mesh sandwiched in-between.

"classy" this aquarium will not be hahaha I'm planning on making my own frame out of PVC cut in half so that it sits on the rim of the tank. I'm thinking of titling my build thread "29Ghetto Build" lol

jgirardnrg · Nov 19, 2021

I get the 1/4" screen from BRS and pick up screen channel, corners and spline from Home Depot. I usually make it a hair smaller and put rubber weatherstripping on the back side so I can pass the cables from the pumps and still have a nice snug fit.

LiveFreeAndReef · Nov 19, 2021

blaxsun said:
Nylon. You can just buy various DIY kits from BRS (etc.) suppliers, and I recommend this since they're aluminum (no rust) and can be sized to your exact specs.

Aluminum is salt safe? Or does BRS have some kind of coating on it?

blaxsun · Nov 19, 2021

LiveFreeAndReef said:
Aluminum is salt safe? Or does BRS have some kind of coating on it?

Yes. Every single Red Sea and Innovative Marine lid consists of an aluminum frame.

LiveFreeAndReef · Nov 19, 2021

blaxsun said:
Yes. Every single Red Sea and Innovative Marine lid consists of an aluminum frame.

Oooooh I see. I thought the mesh was aluminum but just the frame makes more sense.

Soren · Nov 19, 2021

LiveFreeAndReef said:
Aluminum is salt safe? Or does BRS have some kind of coating on it?

I think the aluminum is anodized to keep it looking nice, but, regardless, I don't think aluminum corrodes away very quickly at all even in marine environments. Surface corrosion can cause it to look bad, but anodizing helps prevent this.

Soren · Nov 19, 2021

LiveFreeAndReef said:
Oooooh I see. I thought the mesh was aluminum but just the frame makes more sense.

The mesh is nylon, typically.

LiveFreeAndReef · Nov 19, 2021

Yeah from very little research it looks like salt just oxidizes aluminum. I wonder what effects aluminum oxide could have on an aquarium over time though. Any insight on aluminum oxide in a reef @Randy Holmes-Farley?