Aquarium Top - Window Screen?

Clowny88 · 07/29/2016, 06:37 PM

I just used one of those DIY window screen setups in my house. Since these can be cut to custom sizes, seemed like a great aquarium top idea. And I assume they can withstand light and heat.

Any reason this would be a bad choice? Has anybody else done anything like this?

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Rybren · 07/29/2016, 07:35 PM

The window screen blocks a lot of light. If you have a fish only tank, it might be okay, but IMHO, it would be a bad idea for a reef.

A better solution would use the BRS screen or plastic chicken wire from your local gardening centre. Just make sure that the holes are no larger than 1/4"

Clowny88 · 07/29/2016, 09:57 PM

Im running whites at 30% or so... Could definitely adjust if needed. Should be safe otherwise though right?

I'll check out the chicken wire too, thanks.

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Bruce51 · 07/29/2016, 10:03 PM

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/clear-netting.html

billdogg · 07/30/2016, 05:18 AM

Could you use standard window screen material? Sure. It's a very poor choice however for the reasons mentioned above. In addition, because of the very small size of the gaps in the screen, it will almost certainly collect a large amount of salt creep and then block even more light.

BRS 1/4" clear mesh is very easy to work with and does an excellent job. Anything with larger holes is seen, at least by my fish, as a challenge to jump through.

jlanger · 07/30/2016, 07:48 PM

I'm using the 1/16" fiberglass window screen in my screen top for my nano tank.
Using the smaller screen size was needed as my Yasha Gobies found the ¼" screen was large enough to jump through.
I do see a slight drop in the light levels from using the window screen material but since my tank is a soft coral based reef tank, it still gets plenty of enough light.

Clowny88 · 07/31/2016, 09:44 PM

Yeah mine is softies too. I wish there was something in between, size wise.

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07/29/2016, 06:37 PM	#1
Clowny88 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: N. Illinois Posts: 270	Aquarium Top - Window Screen? I just used one of those DIY window screen setups in my house. Since these can be cut to custom sizes, seemed like a great aquarium top idea. And I assume they can withstand light and heat. Any reason this would be a bad choice? Has anybody else done anything like this? Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

07/29/2016, 07:35 PM	#2
Rybren Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 1,642	The window screen blocks a lot of light. If you have a fish only tank, it might be okay, but IMHO, it would be a bad idea for a reef. A better solution would use the BRS screen or plastic chicken wire from your local gardening centre. Just make sure that the holes are no larger than 1/4" __________________ 120G Mixed Reef, 28G AIO zoa/pipefish tank

07/30/2016, 05:18 AM	#5
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	Could you use standard window screen material? Sure. It's a very poor choice however for the reasons mentioned above. In addition, because of the very small size of the gaps in the screen, it will almost certainly collect a large amount of salt creep and then block even more light. BRS 1/4" clear mesh is very easy to work with and does an excellent job. Anything with larger holes is seen, at least by my fish, as a challenge to jump through. __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! 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

07/30/2016, 07:48 PM	#6
jlanger Get busy living... Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New Richmond, WI Posts: 406	I'm using the 1/16" fiberglass window screen in my screen top for my nano tank. Using the smaller screen size was needed as my Yasha Gobies found the ¼" screen was large enough to jump through. I do see a slight drop in the light levels from using the window screen material but since my tank is a soft coral based reef tank, it still gets plenty of enough light. __________________ -JASON 120gal (48x24x24) Mixed Reef Custom Arts and Crafts Stand and Canopy http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2266751 Current Tank Info: 120gal Mixed Reef; Custom Arts and Crafts Stand and Canopy; EcoTech Radion XR30w PRO LED fixtures (2); Custom 40B Sump; Water Blaster HY-5000 Return Pump; Reef Octopus Diablo XS 160 Skimmer; Apex Controller; Vortech Powerheads

07/29/2016, 09:57 PM	#3
Clowny88 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: N. Illinois Posts: 270	Im running whites at 30% or so... Could definitely adjust if needed. Should be safe otherwise though right? I'll check out the chicken wire too, thanks. Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

07/29/2016, 10:03 PM	#4
Bruce51 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: reno, nv Posts: 201	http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/clear-netting.html

07/31/2016, 09:44 PM	#7
Clowny88 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: N. Illinois Posts: 270	Yeah mine is softies too. I wish there was something in between, size wise. Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk