Acrylic framed screen for rimless tank

Jimbo662

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I'm still in the process of building the frame so I'm hoping it works out. I bought 1/4" square acrylic rods at a local plastic company and this small vice from Lowe's. I've got the main part of the frame put together. Right after taking this pic I attached the center brace. Next steps are to add small pieces that will rest on the top of the tank and hold the frame up and add the small pieces that the netting will attach to.

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feh

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Nice. I've been contemplating a more attractive way to put a screen over the new tank. Following along.
 

Rob&Gab

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how Strong is that? if you pick it up will it bend around like a sheet of metal? awesome, i cant wait too see this. great idea.

i think Glue or some type of bonding agent will do best.
 
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Got a little done tonight...waiting for it to cure completely before testing the frame on the tank. Initial plan was to basically make two frames and bond them together so it was more rigid. I realized if I did that it would put the bottom at the water line and I was worried about salt creep so I'm going to test it with the single layer.

LOL, Small you'll just have to wait and see. :bigsmile:
 

jasonp87

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This looks like a great idea. Looking forward to see how you attach the screen. The first thing that came to mind for me was setting it up on a table saw with a saw depth around 1/8" (blade is also 1/8") and cutting a groove to lay the spline in. You could also go with a white spline so it is less noticeable.

Edit: Just realized my way would be a little hard if the pieces were already put together.
 
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Jimbo662

Jimbo662

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I'm actually going to cut pieces just under 1/4" long that I'll glue along the top edge. I'll cut a horizontal groove in the middle of it for the net to rest in.
 
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Jimbo662

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It's getting close!

Here's a support tab attached
IMG_0416.jpg


Tabs holding it in place
IMG_0418.jpg


You can barely see it!
IMG_0417.jpg


I'll glue these around the frame to attach the netting to. I cut a little notch into it to give the net something to grab.
IMG_0423.jpg
 
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Jimbo662

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Got the netting on and found I need to add a few more of the little pegs. Once I add them I think I'll be able to smooth out most of the waves in the net. I think overall it's going to work pretty good

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CastAway

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Tagging along. Planning to do the same thing basically, but with 3/4" material to rest directly upon the rim, not suspended. Thanks for sharing.
 

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