Need better lid solution

[Aparker2005]

Hey everyone. We lost another fairy wrasse last night due to jumping. It's been a while since we had one jump, but the cats brought it to us last night after they found it.

We have a standard 125, 6 foot tank with the 3 sections. 2 braces. Tank is 72x18.

Problem is we don't have a sump, so our hang on back filters and one tiny opening for our uv cables makes these hard plastic trim pieces a pain to cut out and you can never get them 100% right.

Is there any sort of netting or something I could pick up at home depot that I could just replace the glass tops with and cut out for a better fit? I know evaporation and all is a benefit to glass tops, but I'm fine with ditching them if I can get a better top.

Thanks!

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Maybe egg crate or diy screen netting.

 

[nothing_fancy]

Plant netting is probably what you're looking for. You could get some 1/4 dowel rods to support the dimensions you need to cover the hole

 

[Aparker2005]

Will some 1/8 or 1/4 wire fencing cut to the filters work? I would get a regular mesh screen top, but there is hardly anything out there that takes into account hob filters or lights. I know that's not the normal reef setup, but I'm really not liking these glass tops with the aqueon Strips.

These Strips are already hard enough to cut correctly, but getting them on the glass is even worse.

 

[Pistondog]

Brs sells 1/4 inch clearish plastic netting for use with home depot diy scfeen frame kits. For small areas, i leave the screen a couple inches longer, outside the frame to cover problem areas.

 

[malacoda]

A custom lid from someplace like Octo Aquatics may get you a nice snug fit right up against the filters. You would just have to take careful measurements for the cutouts you need in the lid.

At first glance they seem a bit pricey, but the quality is very good ... and a bargain compared to the loss of two or three $100 plus fish.

Octo Lids™ – Octo Aquatics

octoaquatics.com

Other DIY options that may work ... but will probably either leave gaps, or be a pain to work with whenever you have to remove the lid or the filter ... would be to try and make something out of netting like this...

1/4" Clear Netting - Bulk Reef Supply

Why does BRS recommend this? Every tank we set up at BRS we make a screen net top for. They will save you a ton of money down the line after you have a few fish jump out of your tank, and you find them on the floor. About half of reef fish will jump high enough to get out of a tank, and...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Or non-metalic window screen mesh...

Phifer 48 in. x 25 ft. Charcoal Fiberglass Screen Roll 3000041 - The Home Depot

Phifer Standard Fiberglass insect screen is the most frequently used screen for windows and doors. Precision woven fiberglass screen ensures lasting color, flexibility and curb appeal. Easily installed,

www.homedepot.com

Saint-Gobain ADFORS 36 in. x 84 in. Charcoal Fiberglass Extra Strength Screen Roll for Windows and Door FCS10387-M - The Home Depot

Saint-Gobain ADFORS Extra Strength Screen is a heavy duty fiberglass mesh providing 40% more strength compared to standard fiberglass screen. Extra Strength screen heavyweight weave provides greater protection

www.homedepot.com

Wire fencing will rust unless it's aluminum.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hey everyone. We lost another fairy wrasse last night due to jumping. It's been a while since we had one jump, but the cats brought it to us last night after they found it.

We have a standard 125, 6 foot tank with the 3 sections. 2 braces. Tank is 72x18.

Problem is we don't have a sump, so our hang on back filters and one tiny opening for our uv cables makes these hard plastic trim pieces a pain to cut out and you can never get them 100% right.

Is there any sort of netting or something I could pick up at home depot that I could just replace the glass tops with and cut out for a better fit? I know evaporation and all is a benefit to glass tops, but I'm fine with ditching them if I can get a better top.

Thanks!

Sorry to hear. Egg Crate at times can cause injury. A simple filler would be saran wrap

 

[Aparker2005]

Thanks everyone!

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

The Red Sea DIY kits have accessories that allow for filters and lights. You can get it pretty precise. I use them on all my tanks and pretty happy with them.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

I keep the egg crate over my cube tank, it does the job as a good temp solution. Had a recent escapee coral beauty that made me put it on temporarily....

I'm at work, so not a great picture but easy to cut out for hob gear. Only suggestion is get the white (clear) stuff. Its hell on par killing imho.