my diy mesh screen tops....on the cheap

[prime8reef]

Thanks prime just the info I was looking for. I do have a question. Is there a way to add a opening for auto feeder flakes and pellets?

Your welcome dre. I'm actually in the middle of building one for a friend who wants a trap door for just that purpose. Once I get it all done, I'll snap some pictures of how I did it and post it up.

 

[prime8reef]

great planning ideas

Thanks nitro!!

 

[Carlitosway84]

Just did mine yesterday. Going to make some improvements with a "feeding door" hopefully soon. Was pretty easy!

 

[Carlitosway84]

Oh and total cost prob more than necessary as bought ex materials was $22 for a 55 gallon.

 

[prime8reef]

Great job!!! Looks awesome in black. Did you paint the frame or did you find it in black already? Did you have any trouble finding the mesh? I like it.

 

[dre7606]

Nice job Carlitos!! I am looking forward to seeing everyone's feeding doors!

 

[DallasNYC]

Thanks for sharing Prime,
I'm in the process of making a top too and was trying to figure out how to do an inside corner. So simple, but I never would have thought to just put the groove to the outside edge.

 

[Carlitosway84]

I bought it that way from Home Depot. They call it brown but looks black to me.
The mesh I found pretty easy, found a Joann's near me in margate fl.
Appreciate all the info,

 

[reefer Ard]

Looks great. I may have to do this for myself soon. Have had a couple of fish commit suicide and this would be great solution to an expensive problem sometimes when it happens.

 

[240reef]

I really wish I could locate the plastic style frame rails.
I've been to 2 different Lowes and 2 different HDs.
Only type sold in both is aluminum.
I know probably wont matter but to me plastic would be better.
I'm assuming it would be in same dept.

 

[tyler1503]

Nice! I'll have to look into this for my 24.
Also, is the screen mesh easily cuttable or did you have to put some effort in to cut it? This'd be great for an octo tank, but an octo can easily cut through fly screen

 

[prime8reef]

Thanks reeferArd!
240reef-I'm assuming most all Lowe's are set up the same, but I found mine in the acrylic and glass aisle. They also had all the screen door and window repair stuff there. You might check the door and window section which is in the back of the store near the bath tub and sink area.
Tyler 1503- the mesh is very easy to cut with a pair of regular scissors or a pair of cloth scissors(used by seamstresses. Sharp scissors is the key since its made out of polyester. That way there's no fraying at the cut line.

 

[mfief]

Very nice. I have been looking for a way to get rid of my egg crate yet still keep the cats paws out.

 

[feh]

What is the netting you used made from? I'm wondering if it would rot at some point.

 

[prime8reef]

What is the netting you used made from? I'm wondering if it would rot at some point.

It's a man-made synthetic, polyester, so I think it'll last quite awhile. Cleaning it with bleach will melt it. Vinegar and hot water is all i use on any reef equipment for any salt creep.

 

[prime8reef]

Very nice. I have been looking for a way to get rid of my egg crate yet still keep the cats paws out.

Thanks, I'm experimenting with an old castnet. The mono filament seems like it will hold up to quite a beating. If it works out, I'll post up. I'm making several diff ones for friends right now. One cover with a trap door/access door and the mono filament cover. I'll update as soon as i can.

 

[mfief]

Thanks, I'm experimenting with an old castnet. The mono filament seems like it will hold up to quite a beating. If it works out, I'll post up. I'm making several diff ones for friends right now. One cover with a trap door/access door and the mono filament cover. I'll update as soon as i can.

Thanks. I am going to pick up some frame parts today for my 75. I have some clear plastic mesh. I will start with that and continue to follow this thread

 

[saltyhog]

I wonder is there any significant difference in light penetration with this fabric compared to the 1/4" mesh sold at places like BRS? Would be interesting to see some par readings. I've seen it done with egg crate and the differences are significant.

 

[mfief]

Thanks for the idea. Here is my first of five and I have less money tied up in it than if I had bought egg crate. Much apprecited.

 

[prime8reef]

Great job mfief. Here's one I built for a buddy that wanted an access door. All that's left is attach a piano hinge so it swings open all the way and folds back

Measuring and cutting in the door was a bit of a pain

Final measurements are 6" by 9¾"
And cutting such small pieces for the door was 'fun'

The door measures 5¼" by 8¼"

All that's left is attach the tulle mesh