Screen top for a rimless cube

reefknight · Mar 20, 2012

For all the folks out there with rimless tanks, how do you attach a screen mesh top? I've got a small rimless tank, will hold some frags for grow out and such, but will more than likely end up having a fish or two in it. Want to make sure that they stay in the tank and not end their life as jerky.

I've made several of the DIY screen tops, just don't have any ideas for keeping one on a rimless. If you've got a thought, fire away!!:wink:

Bluejawtrigger · Mar 20, 2012

Funny you should ask, I'm getting ready to build a floating canopy for my 117g to keep my wrasse's in. I can't take the credit for the idea, it was someone else's. But hears the idea: find small tubing ( pick a color or clear that won't be obtrusive , make a frame to fit in the inside of the tank, seal it so air is trapped inside and it will float nice, stretch fish netting across (clear) and attach to the tubing. This way it will float on the water surface, won't be an eye sore, and it'll keep our little guys in the tank.

reefknight · Mar 20, 2012

Bluejawtrigger said:
Funny you should ask, I'm getting ready to build a floating canopy for my 117g to keep my wrasse's in. I can't take the credit for the idea, it was someone else's. But hears the idea: find small tubing ( pick a color or clear that won't be obtrusive , make a frame to fit in the inside of the tank, seal it so air is trapped inside and it will float nice, stretch fish netting across (clear) and attach to the tubing. This way it will float on the water surface, won't be an eye sore, and it'll keep our little guys in the tank.

Tubing such as vinyl tubing? Like 1/4" that we use for RO/DI systems or larger? This would be a new thought as I've never heard of it before. Do you have any links to anyone that has attempted it?

Thanks!

Bluejawtrigger · Mar 20, 2012

reefknight said:
Tubing such as vinyl tubing? Like 1/4" that we use for RO/DI systems or larger? This would be a new thought as I've never heard of it before. Do you have any links to anyone that has attempted it?

Thanks!

Exactly, something stiff, but small enough not to be an eye site. I don't have the thread, waiting on a friend to give it to me, they're taking for ever. I'm going to go ahead and start looking for materials to build mine. I'll take and post pics and details for you. I'm off work tomorrow and will probably start it then.

reefknight · Mar 20, 2012

Bluejawtrigger said:
Exactly, something stiff, but small enough not to be an eye site. I don't have the thread, waiting on a friend to give it to me, they're taking for ever. I'm going to go ahead and start looking for materials to build mine. I'll take and post pics and details for you. I'm off work tomorrow and will probably start it then.

Awesome! Let me know how it turns out as I'm really excited to get this completed. I know a few that will silicone a small piece of acrylic inside the lip of the tank, but I really don't want to do that.

Thanks!

Bluejawtrigger · Mar 20, 2012

Me either. I want something that looks clean and can take in and out with ease. Will do.

reefhead · Mar 20, 2012

i have built one for my tank.

i used the framing for window screen. works great and is clean. you can get the set and tools at about any hardware store for $12.

RacinRevo0818 · Mar 20, 2012

This is mine. Buy the frame from the window screening area of hardware store and some plastic corners. Ordered the screen from BRS like 12. Don't buy the the other stuff you need from BRS as they charge 400% more then buying from hardware store.

reefknight · Mar 20, 2012

I've built several of these in the past for various tanks, just never a rimless. A club member once had a thought and siliconed clear "L" shaped pieces of acrylic to the rear corners and smaller flat portions to the front corners, that would interlock the plastic corner indentions. I'd rather not silicon anything to the tank though, if I didn't have too.

Keep the ideas coming guys!

reefknight · Mar 20, 2012

RacinRevo0818 said:
This is mine. Buy the frame from the window screening area of hardware store and some plastic corners. Ordered the screen from BRS like 12. Don't buy the the other stuff you need from BRS as they charge 400% more then buying from hardware store.

Is yours secured to your aquarium or just resting on the top surface?

KoleTang · Mar 20, 2012

This is how I plan to do it: TCMAS - View Single Post - My LED 57 rimless setup

All credit goes to Jon, not me.

reefknight · Mar 20, 2012

KoleTang said:
This is how I plan to do it: TCMAS - View Single Post - My LED 57 rimless setup

All credit goes to Jon, not me.

Awesome idea!!

I like it, a lot. I think I found the option that I've been looking for. :wink:

Bluejawtrigger · Mar 20, 2012

I couldn't see what material was used for a frame. I think I missed that, looking from my phone. Does it set on top of the glass or float?

reefknight · Mar 20, 2012

Its the standard window screen frame, that we've all used for awhile. Cut to the interior dimensions of the tank and then he's glued a small rectangle of aluminmum onto the frame in the corners. So it really floats, only makes contact where the metal pieces rest on the glass edge. Pretty sweet!

Bluejawtrigger · Mar 20, 2012

Very nice!!

atrizz · Feb 8, 2016

read all the forums and tried to make my own and failed. but i found this and it really does work great and doesnt make the tank look bad

http://www.rimlessaquariumlids.com

pastelball · Feb 9, 2016

I went to lowes and bought the plastic mirror clips. The frame of the screen top sits flush with the top of the tank.

CrumplePants · Feb 17, 2016

I figured I'd jump inhere and mention that I added one of these to my rimless cube just a couple days ago.

The process was actually quite simple, and it took a little tweaking to get the screen nice and taut, but it turned out awesome!