mesh top for Elos System 70?

[serval]

I am thinking about making one or having one made. I would want it to look really nice to match the beautiful tank and hopefully not detract too much. But, I feel the need to have a mesh cover to avoid flying fish turning into crispy fish on the floor. Since I would like to keep wrasses and blue spotted jawfish, a top may be a requirement.

Has anyone seen or made a really nice mesh top? I saw that Glass Cages may make (custom) them; anyone used GC for this purpose?

What type of mesh will let in all or most of the light and still allow air flow?

Thanks for the advice.

[OCRick]

Hey Serval, I just made one a couple hours ago (Purchased all the material from Lowe's for just over $20)...I had a clownfish jump out yesterday from my Mini, luckily I noticed he wasn't in there and was able to scoop him up off the floor and throw him back in before he died...he's doin' real good today!!! :)

https://04awuq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pLj1Ul-MQWmrMjlQnw68jGdNFBJLHtU3BO3M1TYxXRTQUWPN1RU7xLVF91I0fWVoa5WjIUdf8LhQRUIR407kT4-VznHR4ow6W/Tank%20Cover.jpg

[serval]

What type of mesh is that and are you happy with the light transmission through it? What is the size of the holes? My proposed fish will be quite small.

[OCRick]

It only said 100% plastic on the package, so I don't know what type it actually is. As far as the light transmission, there definately is some light that gets blocked but right now I'm just happy knowing that I won't have any dead fish on the floor. It is a 1/2" x 1/2" grid.

[Linina]

I found 1/4" netting (looks much thinner than the picture in this thread and I dont worry about tiny fish getting through) at pond supply stores online. I made a very similar cover for a 40 breeder using that and the window screening kits you can get at home depot.

Haven't covered a rimless with it but it looks pretty good on your tank in this thread!

[serval]

Thanks, I do like the idea of smaller mesh (1/4" should be perfect).

[varyhare]

Jesse mentioned that the Mini has a glass cover that they have available. Maybe he has one for the 70. I'm interested as well. The glass cover is raised to allow ventilation. Maybe he'll chime in with more information?

[serval]

Varyhare, I tried to get Jesse's attention with a new thread with his name in it. Hope that's ok! Hopefully he'll see the new thread and reply. Thanks for bringing it up!

[varyhare]

Hope he mentions the Elos 70 as well since that sounds like the best way to keep our Elos looking their best and our jumpers in

[serval]

I specifically asked about the 70 in the message thread. I guess Jesse is out of town til Monday; so we will just have to wait!

[OCRick]

Really consider the plastic mesh top, i have to say it really looks good and it doesn't detract at all but actually adds to the looks of the tank (I was actually disappointed at first thinking that I had to put something on the top but now I really like it). It also has many advantages over a glass top...it's a lot lighter, you don't have to remove it for simple things like feedings and the ventilation will be much better. As far as light transmission, you definately can get smaller sized mesh than what I used....I'm actually considering clipping some of the grid intersections on mine to help minimize the light blockage.

[serval]

I am going to get the parts in the next few days. I am hoping to make it sit inside the tank resting on little "shelf hooks" but I have to find the latter first!

Rick, are you still happy with your top; is it doing its job?

Thanks much!

[OCRick]

Hello serval....yes, i'm still very happy with it and it's doing its job perfectly!!

Good luck on your build....don't worry it's pretty easy to put together.

[rroselavy]

FWIW: There is someone on ********* who is making screen tops for people (for a price). Can be found in the hardware sales section of the forum. No mention of hanging clips though...

[serval]

I did try building one myself and I do not like the way it came out. For one thing, I tried to make it with a little inset to accomodate the outflow area, and that is weak with this aluminium frame material. Second, the corner attachments one buys for this stuff do not hold the sides tightly. Third, I was unable to locate any hooks that would hang over the tank lip, on the inside, and would support the top. I tried to special order thru ADA, but they only provide the hooks with their tanks (bummer). Plan B is to have a metal worker place nearby make me a black, aluminum, powder coated frame that sits on top of the tank, using bird netting as the stuff to keep fish in and airflow going. Perhaps they can make a small lip that hangs over the outside to hold it in place in case something bumps it. I will also check the hardware sales section. Thanks rroselavy.