Brs screen top

ndz98 · Dec 18, 2017

I have a 75 gallon tank with the cross brace in the middle. If I get this kit, do I get the 4 foot kit? Do I have to buy four extra corners?

Brew12 · Dec 18, 2017

ndz98 said:
I have a 75 gallon tank with the cross brace in the middle. If I get this kit, do I get the 4 foot kit? Do I have to buy four extra corners?

The 4 foot rimmed kit comes with 8 corner pieces.

BigHildy53 · Dec 18, 2017

All you really need from BRS is the netting. Everything else can be found at Lowe's,k Home Depot or the like.

Salty1962 · Dec 18, 2017

They don't last very long:(

ndz98 · Dec 18, 2017

Salty1962 said:
They don't last very long:(

What happens to them?

don_chuwish · Dec 19, 2017

Mine have been great, I don't see how it could ever even fail in normal use.

Jim Heenan · Dec 19, 2017

Yeah, I just got the 4' kit and yet to put it together. Can't wait...

Legal Reefer · Dec 19, 2017

I used 1/8" clear mesh from Marine Depot $6.99 and screen frame kit from lowes $11.95. They have the corners if you need more and they're only around $1.00 for 4.

MaiReef · Dec 19, 2017

Legal Reefer said:
I used 1/8" clear mesh from Marine Depot $6.99 and screen frame kit from lowes $11.95. They have the corners if you need more and they're only around $1.00 for 4.

I did the same except I bought the screen from Amazon($6.99) so that I have way more for adjustments with any holes in them. They work great, but a bit cumbersome. They are the best top I have used so far. If you go the Lowes route, make sure you get the roller tool.

Fin · Dec 19, 2017

The frame will hold up well, but the netting will deteriorate over time. They should last several years though. That is about what mine last anyway. Lights and salt break down the screen material. The screen is simple to replace though, so definitely worth covering your tank. Like stated above, you can get everything you need from Lowe's / Home Depot, except the screen. Look in the window screen section of the store. You can also paint the frame to make it look a bit better, if you wish.

ndz98 · Dec 19, 2017

Fin said:
The frame will hold up well, but the netting will deteriorate over time. They should last several years though. That is about what mine last anyway. Lights and salt break down the screen material. The screen is simple to replace though, so definitely worth covering your tank. Like stated above, you can get everything you need from Lowe's / Home Depot, except the screen. Look in the window screen section of the store. You can also paint the frame to make it look a bit better, if you wish.

Fortunately I work at a Lowe’s lol. However, I already ordered the kit from brs. I remember doing the math on the price comparisons of the kit and just buying all the things at Lowe’s and if I remember correctly, it was pretty close in price. And Lowe’s doesn’t carry that clear mesh. I think I’ll be happy though overall with the kit. Brs usually doesn’t let me down.

Adele · Dec 20, 2017

Sorry to go a little off topic but do these screens shade needed light from my corals? Thinking of getting a Fairy Wrasse and apparently a jump screen is very important.

Fin · Dec 20, 2017

Adele said:
Sorry to go a little off topic but do these screens shade needed light from my corals? Thinking of getting a Fairy Wrasse and apparently a jump screen is very important.

The amount of light that may be blocked is negligible. Keeping livestock inside the tank is invaluable. Fairy Wrasses are known "flight risks", but any fish is capable of carpet surfing. Fish are expensive nowadays and a screen will keep your valuable livestock in the tank, where it should be.

Idoc · Dec 20, 2017

Adele said:
Sorry to go a little off topic but do these screens shade needed light from my corals? Thinking of getting a Fairy Wrasse and apparently a jump screen is very important.

BRS had a video on testing the light transmission. I believe their testing showed around only a 5% reduction at most... but don't quote me on that, I just woke up, lol... watch their video!

ndz98 · Dec 20, 2017

Adele said:
Sorry to go a little off topic but do these screens shade needed light from my corals? Thinking of getting a Fairy Wrasse and apparently a jump screen is very important.

I think it says in the description that it allows 99% of light through. Whether that is correct or not, who knows. But I’m sure it can’t be anything that will affect livestock.

ndz98 · Dec 23, 2017

Had some time today to construct these tops and I think they turned out pretty nice!

geniusgio · Dec 23, 2017

ndz98 said:
Had some time today to construct these tops and I think they turned out pretty nice!

Just an idea. I actually used a dremel to make a notch for my power head cable. It won’t ruin the mesh and you can take the lid off completely

ndz98 · Dec 23, 2017

geniusgio said:
Just an idea. I actually used a dremel to make a notch for my power head cable. It won’t ruin the mesh and you can take the lid off completely

Dang that is a really good idea! I wish I knew that an hour ago haha. Oh well.