Net/cover for a cube

[75gal]

After one of my favorite fish took a plunge to his death I'm considering a top for my tank. The problems have is it's a cube and it has a t5 fixture on the top. It's an 80 gallon 32x24" I have 2 kessil and the t5 2 bulb for lighting and two half inch returns on either side of the center overflow. Any recommendations for a top or a diy? I'd prefer not removing the light and top for every feeding if it's possible...
Tom

 

[hearttx]

Eggcrete(sp?) from Home Depot or Lowes? you can custom cut it for your needs.

 

[bmitchell138]

This would work too, but more expensive than the egg crate.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/diy-aquarium-screen-top-kits-1-4-netting.html

 

[jayball]

This would work too, but more expensive than the egg crate.



http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/diy-aquarium-screen-top-kits-1-4-netting.html

You'll want this or the equivalent. Eggcrate works in a pinch but it is ugly and blocks light.

 

[thegrun]

Fish can and will jump through egg crate, you want to use a mesh or bird's screen with less than 1/4" holes. I used 3/8" acrylic that I cut to slip into the window screen frame and made U shaped brackets to go around obstructions and then hot glued the netting to the acrylic

 

[Reefer40b]

This would work too, but more expensive than the egg crate.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/diy-aquarium-screen-top-kits-1-4-netting.html

+1 many use this without any issues

 

[gone fishin]

I agree go with the screen from BRS and get a window screen frame kit from the hardware store.

 

[peterl23454]

Clear mesh netting

Clear mesh netting

Here's the stuff I used
Clear Mesh Netting 6' x 4' https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OABXY9O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_NPYmZtrGyB4N1

In regards to not having to remove for feeding. I made these for all my tanks but no longer use them as I feel my jumpers are established and happy now. I find most jumpers happen in the first week to a month.
Back on track... I made 2 screens. A large section and a little 4" section that is easier to remove for feeding etc. Required me to add a little acrylic strip to the top of my tank to support where the 2 screens meet.
Making the screens takes a little practice and it's easy to make them too tight which will cause the frame to bend and not lay flat.