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Unread 01/14/2018, 09:19 PM   #1
Hydrus
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Screen top for a 75g

So I admit I've never covered my tank but I'll be getting a new 75g in the next week and I know I'd like to add some fish that are noted for jumping.

What screens do you guys use? I've heard reference to screen, egg crate, glass, plexiglass...And I just don't know what to pick or why some of you use one over another.

Can someone please get me on the right track with making one for my tank?

Thank you!


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Unread 01/15/2018, 05:44 AM   #2
homer1475
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Screen tops is the goto. They don't block light like glass, plexi, or eggcrate(it's actual name is light diffuser, and we certainly don't want to diffuse any light from entering the tank) and won't stop the gas exchange at the waters surface.

BRS has the clear mesh screening(1/8 or 1/4" your choice), and your local HD or LOWES will sell the spline, metal framing, and plastic corners. Much cheaper then the kit from BRS.

Then just use some plastic clips designed for glass tops like these. Just choose your size glass.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/auqa-...iABEgLNz_D_BwE


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Unread 01/15/2018, 08:50 AM   #3
billdogg
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Quote:
Originally Posted by homer1475 View Post
Screen tops is the goto. They don't block light like glass, plexi, or eggcrate(it's actual name is light diffuser, and we certainly don't want to diffuse any light from entering the tank) and won't stop the gas exchange at the waters surface.

BRS has the clear mesh screening(1/8 or 1/4" your choice), and your local HD or LOWES will sell the spline, metal framing, and plastic corners. Much cheaper then the kit from BRS.

Then just use some plastic clips designed for glass tops like these. Just choose your size glass.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/auqa-...iABEgLNz_D_BwE


^^^This^^^
Although if it's a standard rimmed 75, you won't need the clips. Just rest the screen tops in the plastic frame - it will just about disappear into the frame.


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Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer
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Unread 01/15/2018, 09:02 AM   #4
mcgyvr
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+100 on the BRS kits (or the same can be purchased at your local hardware/home improvement store for slightly less)

If you aren't scared of the cost and want something "better" and don't have the skills to make your own then these guys supposedly do excellent work..
http://artfullyacrylic.3dcartstores.com/


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Unread 01/15/2018, 12:53 PM   #5
Hydrus
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Excellent, thank you so much!


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Unread 01/15/2018, 02:24 PM   #6
jd371
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I bought this screen material from Amazon and the frame kit from Lowes.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Saint-Gobai...nt-Kit/3092635


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Unread 01/15/2018, 02:35 PM   #7
Wiskey
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Doesn't the aluminum corrode when it is that close to the salt water?

Whiskey


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Unread 01/15/2018, 06:14 PM   #8
mcgyvr
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wiskey View Post
Doesn't the aluminum corrode when it is that close to the salt water?

Whiskey
Not for a long long time..
Aluminum is a pretty darn good marine material to use..

You can get plastic frame kits though which would be even better but really just not needed..


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Unread 01/16/2018, 09:18 AM   #9
jd371
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wiskey View Post
Doesn't the aluminum corrode when it is that close to the salt water?

Whiskey
Mine is going on 2.5 years without any corrosion. If or when it does corrode I'll just make another frame.


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Unread 01/16/2018, 10:47 AM   #10
Wiskey
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Wow,.. that's great! That would be much easier than my plan for making an acrylic frame.

Whiskey


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Unread 01/16/2018, 11:23 AM   #11
billdogg
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Mine is about 4, and has a couple spots where the finish is gone. Only minor corrosion at this point. Making new is something on my list, but not very high up.


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Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer
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Unread 01/16/2018, 05:52 PM   #12
mrsixstrings12
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another vote for the brs kit!


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Unread 01/16/2018, 08:12 PM   #13
dt204
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Yup. Screen is the answer!

Glass will diffuse light, be a pain to constantly clean, and offer little to no gas exchange.

Thin plexiglass will warp when exposed to moisture/warmth.

Eggcrate will vastly diffuse the light, especially from a pendant/spotlight variety of light.

I bought screen and holder clips online, then got my local window manufacturer to whip it up for me. Turned out pro!!

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Unread 01/16/2018, 08:48 PM   #14
Hydrus
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I think because this is my first one I'll just get the kit from BRS. It's $40 and if I take good care of it and keep it clean I would think it should last a while. That way I don't mess it up and when I go to make a new one or get another tank I'll have a better idea of what I'm looking for at the hardware store. Plus the wind chill here in Minnesota is -26...So to hell with running errands. I'll just order my stuff online lol.

Thanks for all the help, I had no idea there were even kits or where go get started with this.

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Unread 01/19/2018, 07:53 AM   #15
emilese
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I wish they sold clear acrylic frames like the clear mesh. That way rimless tanks would look even nicer.


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Unread 01/19/2018, 07:02 PM   #16
dt204
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That would be sweet!
I got mine in white. Then masked off all the mesh and spray painted black. Blends in nice with the black silicone and overflow

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