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jsf668
01/01/2010, 08:35 AM
I know there is a thread out there on making a screen cover for your tank using a screen kit and pond netting. I cant find it and would like to make it..I woke up to one of my Pyramid Butterflies on the floor.:sad2:

Lightsluvr
01/01/2010, 09:06 AM
Here is a source for the netting -
http://www.amazon.com/Dalen-7-Foot-20-Foot-Bird-X-BN1/dp/B000BQOB3K

You can also probably get it at your local garden center. The plastic for framing can be found at larger hobby or craft stores. Make yourself a frame to fit the top of your tank and lay at least two layers of the mesh, slightly offset to make the holes even smaller than 3/4". Super glue and some plastic glues will work with it.

Not rocket science.

LL

quincy2008
01/01/2010, 09:16 AM
Use 1/4" netting. Anything larger will not keep the jumpers in the tank.

rhdoug
01/01/2010, 09:28 AM
here you go -- I bought my mesh from this guy and framing from home depot.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1717079&highlight=clear+mesh

SkyPapa
01/01/2010, 09:28 AM
I used this 1/4 in. net and screen frame from HD.
http://www.watergarden.org/s.nl/it.A/id.152/.f?sc=2&category=43357

Wrench
01/01/2010, 09:29 AM
+1

I used 12 netting and somehow full grown wrasses still manage to jump out. The bad thing about the 1/4" netting is how much light it blocks.

Daniel Reef
01/01/2010, 09:31 AM
you can get different size bird netting here, but it is more expensive:

http://www.usnetting.com/HTML/bird-netting.html

Lightsluvr
01/01/2010, 09:34 AM
Use 1/4" netting. Anything larger will not keep the jumpers in the tank.

That's why I recommedned two layers of the 3/4" - this combination will block less light. JME.

I also agree there is no guarantee that a determined jumper won't make it between the netting or worse yet get its gills caught in it...

LL

quincy2008
01/01/2010, 10:55 AM
The 1/4" netting has not effected my corals. I do not think it blocks any significant amount of light.

SkyPapa
01/01/2010, 12:26 PM
^ I agree. The netting is about the same dia. as 30 lb. monofilament fishing line.

Edit;
I had 2 layers of 1/2 in. on my 40B and a blue spot jawfish made it out.

ecureefer
01/01/2010, 04:26 PM
is there a particular reason people are using screening instead of eggcrate anymore

Hal
01/01/2010, 06:01 PM
is there a particular reason people are using screening instead of eggcrate anymore
It blocks less light.

Wrench
01/01/2010, 10:12 PM
The 1/4" netting has not effected my corals. I do not think it blocks any significant amount of light.

I tested it with a PAR meter just the other day. 1/4" netting blocked 50-60 PAR and the 1/2" netting blocked around 25. That's significant to me.......

jsf668
01/01/2010, 10:33 PM
Thanks for all your input..I decided to start off with 1/2 pond netting and got the screen frame at Lowes. It turned out very well. I didn't want to go smaller because off cutting back light and I figure it is certainly better than nothing, which is what I had before.

SkyPapa
01/01/2010, 11:33 PM
I tested it with a PAR meter just the other day. 1/4" netting blocked 50-60 PAR and the 1/2" netting blocked around 25. That's significant to me.......

That sounds like a lot.
What were the total numbers on what bulbs? If you don't mind.

reef4mat
01/04/2010, 07:05 PM
I'm curious, aren't you worried about the aluminum frame contaminating the water?

SkyPapa
01/04/2010, 11:33 PM
Mine is the black framing. Paint, I guess. Any amount that does oxidize and make it in to the tank will be negligible.

reef4mat
01/05/2010, 07:23 PM
Thanks. I know I've seen it personally on other tanks and they didn't have issues. Just wanted to double check before I start building!