Question on using 1/4" clear netting for a tank cover

[Editour2]

I have been using the following cover for my 72" long DT:

2 X eggcrate covered w/1/4" clear netting from BRS, (1 for each side of the tank...the middle is the standard glass tank brace). I have the eggcrate cut out over the overflow..but still covered with the netting. I also cut a box or two of the eggcrate out around the edge of the tank to accommodate the wires coming out of the tank for my 4 pumps (2 x Jebao RW20 and 2 x Tunze 6105's). I use cable ties all around the eggcrate frame to hold down the netting.

Here's what I'd like to do:
I would like to eliminate the eggcrate and just go with the 1/4" netting w/screen framing. I feel like the double frame (eggcrate w/netting) is blocking SOME light and the screen would look neater...currently with the cable ties the netting doesn't sit flush...slight buldges here and there.
QUESTION/DILEMMA: How do you work around the wires coming out of the tank? I want to keep the screen frame flush to the tank all around.

 

[DeepSeaBeauti]

I have been using the following cover for my 72" long DT:

2 X eggcrate covered w/1/4" clear netting from BRS, (1 for each side of the tank...the middle is the standard glass tank brace). I have the eggcrate cut out over the overflow..but still covered with the netting. I also cut a box or two of the eggcrate out around the edge of the tank to accommodate the wires coming out of the tank for my 4 pumps (2 x Jebao RW20 and 2 x Tunze 6105's). I use cable ties all around the eggcrate frame to hold down the netting.

Here's what I'd like to do:
I would like to eliminate the eggcrate and just go with the 1/4" netting w/screen framing. I feel like the double frame (eggcrate w/netting) is blocking SOME light and the screen would look neater...currently with the cable ties the netting doesn't sit flush...slight buldges here and there.
QUESTION/DILEMMA: How do you work around the wires coming out of the tank? I want to keep the screen frame flush to the tank all around.

I can tell you for sure the Light diffusor panels ( AKA egg crate) Does block light. I use the stuff on my 300DD. I just recently ordered the 1/4" mesh and three frame kits from the home dumpo. I have no wires going into my tank since I use MP40s for water movement but I do have my two returns going in from the top. I think what I might do is move my returns to either the corner overflows so I don't need the screen over them or cut a 2-3" piece of egg crate to go across the back so the over flow can pass threw and have the screen but up to it. I don't need light that far anyway with my rock wall.

 

[quagmire]

Frank are you looking to do something like the top in this picture?
Maybe a little larger opening?

 

[Editour2]

Frank are you looking to do something like the top in this picture?
Maybe a little larger opening?

hmmmmmmm....that's interesting. I am leary about cutting out any portion of the top of the cover and exposing the surface....that would allow my wrasses (or any other fish for that matter) to escape, (jump/commit suicide/carpet surf/etc). I need to have an opening to allow for the power head wires...the overflow durso pipes won't be an issue because after I cut out the eggcrate and covered the remaining eggcrate frame with 1/4" netting the durso does not protrude above the surface.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Frank,
Where are the wires?
Back, sides?

 

[Editour2]

Frank,
Where are the wires?
Back, sides?

Vin,
1 on each side and 2 in the middle back...between the overflows.

I could leave the eggcrate w/1/4" netting setup that I have now...and just cutout a good portion of the middle eggcrate....leaving an eggcrate frame so to speak with neeting over the whole thing...that might be a solution....although I do think that the screen frame looks a lot neater...and neatness counts !!!

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Make the screen shorter on the sides & back.
Use plexi or abs material to make up the difference to the top of the rim & cut where necessary.
You could attach with wire ties so it acts like a hinge or glue it to the frame.

 

[DeepSeaBeauti]

Make the screen shorter on the sides & back.
Use plexi or abs material to make up the difference to the top of the rim & cut where necessary.
You could attach with wire ties so it acts like a hinge or glue it to the frame.

Thats an awesome idea using the cable ties to it like a hinge. Ill be stealing that idea Vinny.

Will

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Wil, I stole it, why not you?
Actually it was a suggestion on another thread.

 

[DeepSeaBeauti]

Frank,
I took Vinnys advice. What I did was cut out about a 5" piece of the egg crate and ran it across the back where my returns came over. I just cut a small hole where it goes threw. I attached a piece of 1/4" mesh to the under side of that with spray glue and hot glue. I then cut the 1/4" mesh in the screen frame to the new smaller opening and installed it over the remaining space. When I get home today I will take some pictures of it. I was up late last night trying to just get it finished before I go away this weekend.

 

[Editour2]

Frank,
I took Vinnys advice. What I did was cut out about a 5" piece of the egg crate and ran it across the back where my returns came over. I just cut a small hole where it goes threw. I attached a piece of 1/4" mesh to the under side of that with spray glue and hot glue. I then cut the 1/4" mesh in the screen frame to the new smaller opening and installed it over the remaining space. When I get home today I will take some pictures of it. I was up late last night trying to just get it finished before I go away this weekend.

Thanks Will a picture is worth a thousand words.

P.S. How do you enter your tank info on the bottom of your threads...I used to have that then suddenly it disappeared.

 

[DeepSeaBeauti]

Make the screen shorter on the sides & back.
Use plexi or abs material to make up the difference to the top of the rim & cut where necessary.
You could attach with wire ties so it acts like a hinge or glue it to the frame.

Thanks Will a picture is worth a thousand words.

P.S. How do you enter your tank info on the bottom of your threads...I used to have that then suddenly it disappeared.

Im sure there is an easier way, but I go to my Private messages link then on the left hand top its says Edit your details. at the bottom of that menu you can change/add info.


Will

 

[Editour2]

Im sure there is an easier way, but I go to my Private messages link then on the left hand top its says Edit your details. at the bottom of that menu you can change/add info.


Will

Tried that via MY RC>>>edit details>>>>current tank info.....all my tank info is added but it does not display.

 

[JRR1285]

Tried that via MY RC>>>edit details>>>>current tank info.....all my tank info is added but it does not display.

I think you need to put it in your signature.

 

[Editour2]

I think you need to put it in your signature.

I don't know what that means? What is the path.......where is that located....

 

[Editour2]

I don't know what that means? What is the path.......where is that located....

Hmmmm...added a signature and low a behold at the bottom of my post is the "current tank info".....thanks and nevermind.

 

[DeepSeaBeauti]

Frank I attached a few pictures of the one side of my tank that I have completed in this way. I hope these at least give you ideas.