my diy mesh screen tops....on the cheap

[mfief]

Having that access door would be very nice. They look great. Thanks again for the idea. I may try to build one with the door a little later.

 

[feh]

It's a man-made synthetic, polyester, so I think it'll last quite awhile. Cleaning it with bleach will melt it. Vinegar and hot water is all i use on any reef equipment for any salt creep.

Kewl. Thanks. I'm not fond of using bleach with any equipment either.

 

[Carlitosway84]

Here's a little update guys. I went ahead and tried out the feeding door. Have a few pics to tell the story. Didn't come out perfect but I think close enough for a first shot at it. Let me know your thoughts.

Here's what you need

Then I cut out the area and inverted the corner on the main screen

 

[Carlitosway84]

Then I realized had the inner brackets wrong way and had to redo that section

Finished product in action

Oh and took advantage and cut a notch in the back corner for my sicce propeller pump cord

 

[Carlitosway84]

Probably going to upgrade my lighting to a couple radion pros soon so will most likely be changing things up later on. Fun little project over all though!

 

[240reef]

I don't think those metal hinges are going to last long in SW environment.

 

[nelson.jdautobody]

sweet idea.

 

[Carlitosway84]

I don't think those metal hinges are going to last long in SW environment.

They are the zinc plated hinges, figured the same thing. I know there are some plastic versions out there... Hopefully can find them, but will have to do for now.

I also thought about some sort of tabs that will hold it over the main screen.
It's all about trial and error with some of these things.

 

[prime8reef]

Carlitosway84 that is absolutely awesome!!! Great job on the build. The fact that you did two screens as opposed to one long one actually works out better for rigidity. The long one I built tends to* want to flex without any added bracing at the corners. I ended up adding crossbars to strengthen it. Nice job and I like the cut out for the power cords. Keep us updated on any future mods. Happy reefing !!

 

[Skyzpop]

Looks excellent...I think I am going to hit Lowes on my way home tonight and attempt to make one for my Nuvo 16!

 

[jschultzbass]

Awesome! I will make some doors for mine this weekend!

 

[pickupman66]

For those of you with rimless tanks looking for a nice clean way to do the lids, here is what i did.

I made the frame just as you showed. I covered my overflow as it was recessed in the tank. I did the frame so it was a Tight fit and slightly supported by my silicone in the corners. then scroed and broke some 1"x1" acrylic squares and with just a dab of silicone, I adhered them to the frame. For my screen, I used bird netting available at my local Home Depot since I dont have fish smaller than that. mine was to keep a furry animal from sticking his paws in the water.

 

[Carlitosway84]

Looks excellent...I think I am going to hit Lowes on my way home tonight and attempt to make one for my Nuvo 16!

I actually thought the same thing have a white nuvo 16 in my sons room so going to make one in all white framing this weekend hopefully.

 

[s2nhle]

Would you post some pics of it. Thanks,

For those of you with rimless tanks looking for a nice clean way to do the lids, here is what i did.

I made the frame just as you showed. I covered my overflow as it was recessed in the tank. I did the frame so it was a Tight fit and slightly supported by my silicone in the corners. then scroed and broke some 1"x1" acrylic squares and with just a dab of silicone, I adhered them to the frame. For my screen, I used bird netting available at my local Home Depot since I dont have fish smaller than that. mine was to keep a furry animal from sticking his paws in the water.

 

[s2nhle]

Good Information. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Elysium]

Wish I could find that plastic framing. The only thing anybody carries around here and online is silver, white, and brown aluminum.

 

[Carlitosway84]

Wish I could find that plastic framing. The only thing anybody carries around here and online is silver, white, and brown aluminum.

That's what we have used. I don't know of any plastic framing. So far mine are holding up great.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Great idea I'm gonna have to do this soon!

 

[dmac43]

Thanks for the great Idea, I picked up both White and black (There are 10 - 15 different colors) color mesh from Joann's, it worked great...

 

[MacGre]

.