Screens for 180

palvyre · Apr 19, 2013

I know I am going to hear some told you so's ...,

I need to convert to screens because of heat. My wife is tired of having our AC at 70. Anyone know where I can purchase quality finished screens for a 180? Even someone in the club willing to make them for a price. I am not very handy and I would rather purchase them than try to make them.

Dowtish · Apr 19, 2013

Clear Netting - Bulk Reef Supplyou can get the frame and elbows and spline at Lowes. I'll help you make it. It takes 2 people anyways

McAllyn · Apr 19, 2013

Just don't go to the Lowe's in Lebanon to get the frame materials. We got stuck talking to a guy about the pet snake he had for 45 minutes. Nice enough guy... but wow.

Mac

Dowtish · Apr 19, 2013

LOL! Never mention what you are making...Ive had this happen to me as well. The guy told me about how he had a 10 gallon tank with guppies when he 10. I was so enamored by his story...:squigglemouth:

pickupman66 · Apr 19, 2013

LOL. yea I learned my less when I say it is for my saltwater fish tank they ALWAYS give me odd looks before they run and hide.

Frames are pretty easy to make. I would suggest makingone for each open section instead of a single large one. (unless your tank has no cross braces) Now, had you said this LAST week, I could make them for you and bring to the swap tonight. tools needed are

1. Hacksaw
2. piping pushing in tool thingy (like $5)
3. screen
4. frame

or if you are going to be up there tonight. ill run down to the lowes with you and we can get the materials. ill bring a saw and tool.

PS, measure your openings.

palvyre · Apr 19, 2013

pickupman66 said:
LOL. yea I learned my less when I say it is for my saltwater fish tank they ALWAYS give me odd looks before they run and hide.

Frames are pretty easy to make. I would suggest makingone for each open section instead of a single large one. (unless your tank has no cross braces) Now, had you said this LAST week, I could make them for you and bring to the swap tonight. tools needed are

1. Hacksaw
2. piping pushing in tool thingy (like $5)
3. screen
4. frame

or if you are going to be up there tonight. ill run down to the lowes with you and we can get the materials. ill bring a saw and tool.

PS, measure your openings.

I appreciate that, but I won't be able to make it up there tonight. I have to go to dinner with my folks. I'll be at the swap tomorrow afternoon though.

palvyre · Apr 23, 2013

Bought the screen kit from BRS with some extra parts. I didn't see anything about hinges. How do folks deal with cables and feeding?

pickupman66 · Apr 23, 2013

if I were using them, I woudl just way them in place. Lift them to feed.

palvyre · Apr 23, 2013

Wonder if I should make them slightly short on to allow room for cables so that it will sit flush.

c_healy · Apr 23, 2013

I left about an inch open on one side for feeding and also for my drain pipe. I am goog to redo the side with the drain pipe so that only a corner is cut out. I've had a clown jump before I did the screen and it makes me nervous with it open. Also my nerite snails use it as an escape hatch.

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bknapp · Apr 23, 2013

I cut small notches in the frame with a pair of side cutters, just don't cut through the whole frame then just bend it up slightly to allow the cord to fit under it.

.AcroKiller. · Apr 23, 2013

This is what I did for the cables I cut notches on the corner plastic pieces
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1252822#post1252822

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shellynjason · Apr 23, 2013

iiluisii said:
This is what I did for the cables I cut notches on the corner plastic pieces
DSA 185 build (barts old tank) - Page 9

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I love how neat and tidy you keep every thing. made my screens last night but had to 'MacGyver' it around the skimmer and reactor hoses (I don't have a sump).

I bought the clear net from BRS and the hardware from lowes. only took about an hour for an 'old lady' to make it so you should be able to make yours too Palvyre *smile*.