Clear mesh tank cover

greenreefer · 01/28/2008, 11:53 AM

Someone had posted a thread last week. On how they built a cover for there tank out of some sort of clear mesh. Can anyone direct me to that thread or what the material was or were to buy it.

chris.hampton · 01/28/2008, 12:12 PM

Not sure if this is the one but I copied it into an email for myself!!

I took the glass cover that came with the tank and traced it onto a piece of
acrylic (I can't remember what thickness, but fairly thick). After cutting
out the replica of the glass cover (I had to add a bit to the back so it
covered the tank completely), I cut it lengthwise about 2/3 of the way
towards the front, so I could flip it open for feeding. The hinge for my
glass cover was easy to remove, so I just used that to hold the two pieces
together. Next, I cut out the inside of the acrylic cover, leaving enough on
the edges along with a section down the center so that it was still
structurally sound. Lastly, I used a hot glue gun to attach bridal veil to
cover the openings I cut in the acrylic. By the way, bridal veil is also
called tule (pronounced "tool", not sure on the spelling). You can get it at
any fabric store, Wal Mart, etc.

Anyway, with this particular setup, I can't see any loss of light, unlike
the egg crate, where there is a slight, but detectable degradation.

tedu · 01/28/2008, 12:14 PM

Can't find the thread but you can use the framing for DIY window screens, which can be cut to fit, then buy the netting and install it in the frame.

greenreefer · 01/28/2008, 12:40 PM

went to home depot and got the window framing. But was unable to find the clear meshing. Can you get it at Lowes or is this an online purchase?

Doe5ia14 · 01/28/2008, 12:49 PM

The clear meshing is hard to find in small sections. I was able to get some in a group buy and used window framing to attach it to. many people use the netting a lowes or HD but I feel the holes are to big compared to the 1/4" of the clear netting.

sk8rreefgeek · 01/28/2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by greenreefer
Someone had posted a thread last week. On how they built a cover for there tank out of some sort of clear mesh. Can anyone direct me to that thread or what the material was or were to buy it.

I started the thread "does plexi filter light" and I learned all about plexiglas. (the whole point was to figure the best lighting/jumping fish protection)
Then I learned about the mesh, there was a link given in my thread (all about the mesh), but I'm not a Premium Member, so I couldn't search for my old thread.

That mesh was a pain to find. esp online, I only found HUGE rolls avail. (lowe's no-stock, except some stuff w/ approx 3/4" openings which does me no good)

After research and brainstorming, I built a pretty sweet canopy this weekend, I'm gonna post it up soon

greenreefer · 01/28/2008, 12:56 PM

Doe5ia14
I don't mind picking up in bulk, I have a few tanks to put this on. Did you order this online? and from were?

tedu · 01/28/2008, 01:00 PM

I've only seen black at Lowes.

sk8rreefgeek · 01/28/2008, 01:25 PM

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...hreadid=817485

greenreefer · 01/28/2008, 02:46 PM

sk8rreefgeek...thats the thread. thank you very much. also thanks to very one for your replies. I'm going to order some of this Polypropylene mesh and I'll post some pics of my cover.

Thanks again.

sk8rreefgeek · 01/28/2008, 02:49 PM

no problem. good luck with the cover

01/28/2008, 11:53 AM	#1
greenreefer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 31	Clear mesh tank cover Someone had posted a thread last week. On how they built a cover for there tank out of some sort of clear mesh. Can anyone direct me to that thread or what the material was or were to buy it.

01/28/2008, 12:12 PM	#2
chris.hampton Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Isle of Man Posts: 490	Not sure if this is the one but I copied it into an email for myself!! I took the glass cover that came with the tank and traced it onto a piece of acrylic (I can't remember what thickness, but fairly thick). After cutting out the replica of the glass cover (I had to add a bit to the back so it covered the tank completely), I cut it lengthwise about 2/3 of the way towards the front, so I could flip it open for feeding. The hinge for my glass cover was easy to remove, so I just used that to hold the two pieces together. Next, I cut out the inside of the acrylic cover, leaving enough on the edges along with a section down the center so that it was still structurally sound. Lastly, I used a hot glue gun to attach bridal veil to cover the openings I cut in the acrylic. By the way, bridal veil is also called tule (pronounced "tool", not sure on the spelling). You can get it at any fabric store, Wal Mart, etc. Anyway, with this particular setup, I can't see any loss of light, unlike the egg crate, where there is a slight, but detectable degradation. __________________ Imagine how deep the ocean would be if there wasn’t any sponges!! Current Tank Info: 95 (UK) gal 2 years old and 10 gal with bangi babies!!!

01/28/2008, 01:25 PM	#9
sk8rreefgeek Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Lodi, California Posts: 1,352	http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...hreadid=817485 __________________ It's time for operation crazy-plan Current Tank Info: Drilled 55g, 14g sump, coralife 125 SS: mated pair of b&w misbar clowns, ywg

01/28/2008, 02:49 PM	#11
sk8rreefgeek Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Lodi, California Posts: 1,352	no problem. good luck with the cover __________________ It's time for operation crazy-plan Current Tank Info: Drilled 55g, 14g sump, coralife 125 SS: mated pair of b&w misbar clowns, ywg

01/28/2008, 12:14 PM	#3
tedu Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Dunwoody, GA USA Posts: 264	Can't find the thread but you can use the framing for DIY window screens, which can be cut to fit, then buy the netting and install it in the frame.

01/28/2008, 12:40 PM	#4
greenreefer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 31	went to home depot and got the window framing. But was unable to find the clear meshing. Can you get it at Lowes or is this an online purchase?

01/28/2008, 12:49 PM	#5
Doe5ia14 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Irvine Posts: 516	The clear meshing is hard to find in small sections. I was able to get some in a group buy and used window framing to attach it to. many people use the netting a lowes or HD but I feel the holes are to big compared to the 1/4" of the clear netting.

01/28/2008, 12:56 PM	#7
greenreefer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 31	Doe5ia14 I don't mind picking up in bulk, I have a few tanks to put this on. Did you order this online? and from were?

01/28/2008, 01:00 PM	#8
tedu Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Dunwoody, GA USA Posts: 264	I've only seen black at Lowes.

01/28/2008, 02:46 PM	#10
greenreefer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 31	sk8rreefgeek...thats the thread. thank you very much. also thanks to very one for your replies. I'm going to order some of this Polypropylene mesh and I'll post some pics of my cover. Thanks again.