**Clear** Mesh Top

Good stuff you found there! It reminded me of an idea I got last year but never tried. Build an acrylic frame, let's say 1/2" wide, out of a single piece (or gluing 4 sticks) and drill small holes all around the perimeter at every 1/2", or smaller if you prefer. Then use a fish line (ironic) to make a grid pattern, as a tennis racquet.

I don't know if your halide light would melt the line tough! It should be fine with my fluo, pretty sure. Different fish line diameter could be tested. It's clear so should not block too much light.

For once, a fish line would be used to save a fish's life!
 
The aluminum frame is working good for me. The acrylic idea would only be necessary if you had things hanging in your tank or had an odd shape like a bow front. The acrylic shouldn't melt though because it would only be along the edges...unless you have halides right over the edge of your tank, then I suppose it could.

This mesh is way easier than fishing line. You don't even notice its there...light goes right through it.
 
Would bird netting works the same? It's black but there's other similar product used for pond to prevent leaves from falling into pond- it has slightly larger mesh and thinner line. The pond mesh is about $20 for 8' x 8'
 
Yea, I've been trying to figure out how to do this with my bowfront. Acrylic is a nice idea. Was contemplating doing it out of wood...
 
jimsflies,
You have inspired me to make these tops for my tanks. Went out to HD and got all the stuff I need. One question: What tool did you utilize to cut the aluminum frame?
Thanks- Rich
 
Just a miter saw or hack saw will work to cut the frames. You cut them straight and then insert the plastic 90-degree corners in the ends.
 
I guess you could use the netting that the xmas tree guys sell for 1.00 during Xmas up here in the north, if you can wait that long. It is not as uniform, but should do the trick.

rich
 
Great Idea. I think it is the most perfect solution I have heard of. Especially if you are depending on evaporation for cooling. And as I do. I like the ripple effect a fan generates on the surface better than any powerhead I have tried. Plus you don't have to look at the power head in the tank. This would allow me to continue my cooling/ripple generation and let me buy a wrasse or a goby. Kudos to you.
 
dose'nt anyplace sell plastic framing ? just like the aluminum , but in plastic . ...............Someone's gotta sell that stuff, havent done a search , but am about to.
 
hey Jim, I was nearly going to do that but my friend who use to work with metals said it will start having some reaction w/ the saltwater, or that it'll have some kind of reaction.
 
The eggcrate is wider on one side than the other because it is actually a parabolic reflector. It is used in offices too keep the light directed downward and cut down on the glare. You can get chrome eggcrate that works a lot better for that purpose. It is meant to be installed with the wide part up towards the light.


If you buy eggcrate meant for return air grills in t-bar ceilings, it is the same thickness top and bottom


Just so you know......
 
Thanks Jim, yes i did. Measured the bow, cut the frame to size and placed it up against the bow on the tank and slowly press until it gets the shape. Takes time and patience :)
 
Hi Jim

i want to know please if you ship to me the clear mesh.


thanks
michael




<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8222805#post8222805 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jimsflies
Great job with the frame. Did you bend that yourself? Give us some details...
Click to expand...
 
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