Covering for flasher wrasses?

[Chibils]

When I began my foray into this hobby, I was told to put eggcrate over my tank; now, I'm seeing posts everywhere of people whose wrasses/etc. have jumped through 1/2" squares of it. In this case, what do you recommend putting over my tank? Keep in mind that until I get Lumenarcs (six months at least) I can't use anything that will restrict my light too much and I would like to avoid the greenhouse effect of glass tops (I have no fans or chillers and my tank naturally fluctuates between 79-82).

 

[slant77]

I use the metal window screen frame and then ordered some 1/4 clear netting online. Works good and blocks very little light.

 

[Chibils]

Won't the metal screen rust? Heavy metals are bad for inverts. :<

 

[slant77]

I painted mine it has been over 6 months no rust just some salt creep.

 

[Eric the half-bee]

Chilbis, I bought a purple tile fish and damned if he didn't get through the 1/2" diffuser crate over the tank that same night. Otherwise, I haven't lost a fish to jumping.

 

[snorvich]

Egg crate simply does not work. The 1/4 inch netting is good.

 

[Chibils]

Where can I get some?

 

[A sea K]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12287412#post12287412 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Chibils
Where can I get some?

Ditto.

My current mesh is 1/2" and had worked fine until the other day when I lost a wrasse. I'm very interested in the 1/4" stuff.
The metal screen frames are aluminum and I haven't noticed any ill effects after several months of use with mine.

 

[JStorey]

I have the aluminum screen frames with 1/4" mesh pond netting and it works great. I have an acrylic tank so my frames sit on top of the openings with a little velcro to hold them in place. They keep the wrasses in and lets the light through. I bought the pond netting on line at watergardens.org. Very inexpensive especially compared to losing some jumpers.

 

[Chibils]

Thanks everyone - I could find the aluminum screen at HD or Lowe's?

 

[slant77]

Yes in the door and window section.
I got my mesh materail form InertNet Inc I had to pay extra because I didnt meet the min order amount still cheap and I was able to have spare and sell some to cover most of the cost. The version Im using is part# ON5340-168 it seems to be holding u pretty good.

 

[A sea K]

Jstorey and slant77,
Thank you both for the info. I only have a few options left at this point. Canopy , smaller mesh , or no more Wrasses.
The smaller mesh seems to the best of these.

 

[snorvich]

Yes, the smaller mesh is the best option. With flashers it is not 100% but it is right up there. 1/2 inch will not work for sure.