Hello all. Looking for ideas on lids or screens for the top of a tank. I will be using a viparspectra black box but I have some jumpers in my tank and wondering what I could use without sacrificing too much Par.
Screen covers!
- Thread starter TioTom
- Start date
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Diy screen top from brs will not block much par i think when they tested was something like 2-4% reduction which is negligible. Also inexpensive and customizable
The thing with egg crate is that there is a possibility for some of my fish to (still) get out, and not back in if they were to jump straight up, also it is known to significantly reduce par. As it’s purpose is to diffuse light, therefore weakening it. I was originally planning on using that . Not to mention. Doesn’t look very appealing lol .
Window screen kit from Home Depot + 1/4" plastic mesh screen = nice light weight tank top that's easy to clean, doesn't block much light, breathes easily
This is one of the things I am very seriously considering . Just like the video posted here in the thread , it’s likely the route I will go. I Might just buy the mesh from BRS and the rest from Home Depot
Peace River
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If I am not concerned with light than I will typically use DIY window screens, egg crate, other light diffusers, etc., but for a system with coral or planted tanks where optimal light is important then glass or the BRS mesh is a recommended option. Good luck!
MnFish1
10K Club member
https://www.clearviewlids.com
Just ordered one. Highly recommended its custom fit to your tank - including any cutouts and a feeding door.
Big G
captain dunsel
You can get the 1/4" mesh at most garden supply stores. They use it to keep birds off fruit trees.
MnFish1
10K Club member
The reason I recommended the lids that I did - as compared to setting mesh on the tank- depending on the size of the tank, etc. I just lost 2 large fish that were able to jump up - and push move the cover enough to get out. The cover that This company sells - is fine mesh - but around the edge of the tank is plexiglas - so some heft to it. They also supply a feeding door that opens and closes in the plexiglas/acrylic.
I went with the BRS kit (clear plastic mesh) as well . . . minimal light blocking even with 1/4" spacing (I went with the smaller squares). I would change the corner pieces to the ones that have a lip on one side so you don't need tank clips to keep the lid from falling in. I'm certainly not gifted DIY-wise, and even mine turned out fine. The biggest problem I had was, when cutting the aluminum window frame, that I would chip the paint unless I had a layer of masking tape or two down to prevent that (cut just after the tape).
mfinn
likes zoanthids
I've tried most of the available types of screen tops and right now I'm using a DD Jumpguard screen top.
Very nice. Low profile. Has inside and outside corners.
Very nice. Low profile. Has inside and outside corners.
MnFish1
10K Club member
Had the same problem = with the RedSea kit from BRS. If you have a square tank with no need to make adjustments its pretty easy and good kit to use. With my tank - with 2 radions mounted to the sides the overflow and cords from the Gyre - I found it extremely difficult to correctly measure/saw such that it came out exact. This kit was from RedSea - made specifically for a Red Sea tank. What I dont get is - why they only did 'some' of the custom cutting required. They also dont include 2 pieces to make some of the cut outs work properly. 2 fish have now been able to jump out by pushing the cover up (they were big fish) - so I'm going with a different manufacturer.
