window screen lid light blocking

[sublime9182]

Does anyone here use regular window screen for a tank lid? I was already at lowes so I picked up a roll now that I've put it on my tank I'm afraid it may block to much light. Anyone have any experience with this?

Btw... 46 gallon bowfront still cycling and empty will have 120 watt leds. Don't have them yet they are in the mail.

 

[uncleof6]

Window screen blocks 30% of light striking, statistics from several sources are pretty much in agreement. Without getting into the debate of whether or not LED lighting is worth anything, I will simply ask if you are willing to lose 30% of your light to cover the tank? 30% is rather significant.

 

[billdogg]

Actually, it depends on the type of window screen, but they will all block significant amounts of light from reaching your tank. When I get a new coral that I need to acclimate, I use several squares of window screening on top of my clear mesh screen to filter the light. I remove a square every few days to allow the new coral to adjust with minimal stress.

 

[sublime9182]

Window screen blocks 30% of light striking, statistics from several sources are pretty much in agreement. Without getting into the debate of whether or not LED lighting is worth anything, I will simply ask if you are willing to lose 30% of your light to cover the tank? 30% is rather significant.

No not willing. To loose that much. What do you think of the clear 1/4 in mesh on brs? I'm gonna have a mccoskers wrasse so I need a lid lol. And if you don't mind what is your opinion on leds? It's to late for me to change my mind now but I curious. It may change my future lighting options. Thanks for the info

 

[billdogg]

The BRS mesh is perfect for the job. just make a window screen frame to fit your top and screen it with the clear mesh. I actually made my tops two pieces - one large one to cover the front section, a small rectangle across the back with slits in the mesh to allow for wires and plumbing. No escapees yet!

 

[sublime9182]

The BRS mesh is perfect for the job. just make a window screen frame to fit your top and screen it with the clear mesh. I actually made my tops two pieces - one large one to cover the front section, a small rectangle across the back with slits in the mesh to allow for wires and plumbing. No escapees yet!

Awsome yea unfortunately I have a bow front and I made the frame out of eggcrate lol. So it will have to be one big one. And I guess I can use the extra window screen I have for acclimation haha thanks again everyone for the info

 

[billdogg]

I would be tempted to try to use the front curved piece of eggcrate covered with mesh for the front. Make a larger 1 or 2 piece for the back section. Be forewarned that eggcrate will not only block some light, it will not prevent many fish from jumping.

 

[sublime9182]

I would be tempted to try to use the front curved piece of eggcrate covered with mesh for the front. Make a larger 1 or 2 piece for the back section. Be forewarned that eggcrate will not only block some light, it will not prevent many fish from jumping.

I know I actually cut the entire middle out of the eggcrate so it's literally just a frame.

 

[zachts]

File down those sharp pointy edges, if they feel sharp to you imagine what they'd do to a jumper!

also if you don't want to pay shipping for a $2 piece of mesh just go to the fabric store, they have all kinds of nylon mesh in the bridal veil section.......

 

[sublime9182]

File down those sharp pointy edges, if they feel sharp to you imagine what they'd do to a jumper!

also if you don't want to pay shipping for a $2 piece of mesh just go to the fabric store, they have all kinds of nylon mesh in the bridal veil section.......

Good idea I'm glad you said something I never even thought of that. I'll file them down and when I re do it I'll probably put the mesh on the bottom instead of top.
thanks for the info I'm sure you Just saved a fish from a nasty cut.

 

[zachts]

Good idea I'm glad you said something I never even thought of that. I'll file them down and when I re do it I'll probably put the mesh on the bottom instead of top.
thanks for the info I'm sure you Just saved a fish from a nasty cut.

or you! :lolspin: