Egg crate or glass to cover aquarium?

[lwillis22]

I am wondering which option lets the most light through?

 

[sleepydoc]

Glass will let more through but won't allow air to circulate for oxygenation and cooling. A better option is clear 1/4" netting. You can make a custom top pretty easily and cheaply, it won't block much light, will allow air to circulate, and will keep the jumpers in.

Bulk Reef Supply sells it (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/catalog/product/view/id/1768/) I'm sure other places do to, just don't know any others off the top of my head.

 

[lwillis22]

Thanks I would like to do the screen netting but this frame sits on the outside of the tank and I need something that will sit on the inside lip of the tank.

 

[chris s]

Thanks I would like to do the screen netting but this frame sits on the outside of the tank and I need something that will sit on the inside lip of the tank.

The frames will fit inside the lip. Worst case you may need to round off the corner pieces for the best fit. It all depends on your tanks frames.

Here is an example. Not my tank, just a pic I found on the web.

 

[johnike]

You can get the screen frame kits at Menards or Home Depot type stores.

 

[kgis]

Thanks I would like to do the screen netting but this frame sits on the outside of the tank and I need something that will sit on the inside lip of the tank.

I ordered the kit from BRS and built it so it sits snugly inside the lip on my tank. it is very unobtrusive and very easy to put together.

 

[sponger0]

Neither glass or eggcrate. BRS clear netting is the only way to go IMO. Unless you have a canopy.

 

[sleepydoc]

I need something that will sit on the inside lip of the tank.

??? The netting should work just fine - just cut the frame so it fits on the lip of your tank. I think it would actually be easier to fit properly than the egg crate, and look better, too.

I see someone already beat me to a picture!

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

here's the ironic twist:

if you choose to use eggcrate/light diffuser and/or glass to cover your aquarium you will eventually discover their drawbacks.

screen netting is DEFINITELY the way to cover a reef aquarium.

very easy to "build" and extremely inexpensive....

DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME

 

[Dexters Reef]

I agree with all of the above. I converted from glass lids to BRS screen netting and will never look back. BRS sells a kit that even includes the tools needed.
If you have a center brace and need to make 2 seperate lids, you will have 8 corners and the kit comes with 4, so you will need to add a 4 pack from their site to your cart.

My kit took less than an hour to build, and fits perfect. Have not had to clean it in 6 months, just wipe salt off spots of the frame I drip on. There is no light loss at all, and it fits flush on my tank.

View attachment 206305

 

[sponger0]

As everyone has said, the BRS netting is the way to go. IMO one of the best things invented for reef tanks

 

[Dexters Reef]

Since my pic didnt work and I missed the edit window, heres a new post and pic of my mesh lid.

Edit: ok so apparantly I can't upload any pics that work...maybe they will start working with a little time

 

[sansupt]

BRSnetting is great. So easy to put yogether. before I had glass and plexi top. always had to clean and when dirty blocks so much light

 

[Orm Embar]

Saw a tank photo where they had netting for most of the top, but eggcrate in the very back as a strip for HOB stuff. Looked pretty darn slick.

I'm wondering if I can use my hinged glass hood for the front third, mesh for the next third or so, and a thin strip of eggcrate in the back of mine. Not sure how to anchor the glass hinge to the screen edging, though. Or if it's worth it to do that instead of a strip of removable eggcrate/mesh for feeding & cleaning while leaving most of the top undisturbed.

 

[Wolverine]

Also agree with the netting. I just get some PVC piping to make the frame, and then use pond netting. It won't stop the best carpet surfers, but it will let the light through.

 

[lwillis22]

Thanks everyone, I didn't relize that the screen tops fit inside so that is the way I will go. Thanks again!

 

[kveekx]

I agree on the screen I did it on my biocube and it is pretty nice!

 

[fyrfytr]

Definatly will be screening mine. Trying to see if I can find it somewhere other then BRS

 

[geezers11]

I agree on the screen I did it on my biocube and it is pretty nice!

Question: How did you form fit the molding in the front since there's a slight bow to it? I have a JBJ 28gallon and would like to do the same thing.

Thanks in advance.

 

[coral_dog]

I am sold on this, going to have to order this tonight.