DIY screen covering top

[EZHOOPS]

OK, I cannot take credit for this one but its a great idea. A fellow local reefer came up with the idea.

Basically your creating a screen much like a window screen but instead of using actual window screen your using a clear screen with an opening of 1/4"

The screening he uses is a clear insulation screen. You can purchase it at HD but you will have to buy an entire roll for $100. he has some left overs here is the link.

http://michiganreefers.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=24897


I did this DIY today in under 30 minutes with all the proper equipment, no more worries about carpet surfing.

[EZHOOPS]

OK finally got around to getting this project done again.

Materials

Screen frames, come in white, brown, or black $2.80 at HD

Spline for the screen frame $2.99 .140 Width (size doesn't matter)

Corner connections for the screen frame $0.98 (4 in a package) makes one screen

Screen spline Tool $3.98

Screen material you can use either Garden netting 1/4" holes and its black ($3.99 for 40 ft) or you can hunt down some clear insulation netting 1/4" holes as well but much more expensive. Usually sold only by 100 ft $40.00

Everything can be bought at Home Depot





Basically you just make a screen like you would for a window in your home.

Measure the frame and cut to size (be sure to consider the corners in your measurements, they add 3/4" or so)

Cut your screen about 1" bigger than your screen frame

Place the screen over the frame and spline the screen in by pressing the spline into the screen frame grove using the concave side of the spline tool.

Once you have done all four sides, cut excess screen off and your ready to go.

*Tip don't pull screen too tight when splining it in place otherwise the tension will cause your frame to not lay flat.

check it out








Here is a comparison between the black garden net and the clear insulation net.

[schlecht13]

Excellent--plus it looks like it can be made to fit around filters/heaters if neccessary. Thanks for the info

[EZHOOPS]

yeah, basically it can fit around anything square. Really a great cover and it doesn't block any light.

[EZHOOPS]

I know some guys who use these to hold frag plugs and then can build shelfs cause it don't block the light. just another use. use your imagination. Filter floss holders, etc.

[socalnative]

I dont the see finishing touch.

[Adrian]

No images? Upload them here and host them form here.

[aesop]

The gaps on the pictures form michreefers looks bigger then 1/4?

The worst part is that it's the little fish the jump for me; gobbies, shrimp! and of course.. the clowns.. :(

[EZHOOPS]

no the holes are 1/4" or less if you stretch it. The way I figure it, if a fish can get through these holes than they deserve their freedom.

[tpdpercula]

I use (used) eggcrate until recently when my female Picasso jumped (suicide). No I use plexi-glass and will be upgrading to glass when the new broodstock system is built at the end of this month. I will be building one of these for my display system.

Thanks