Can you see a "grid pattern" from them mesh of your lid?

Lord_Mort · Dec 26, 2022

This may seem like a dumb question, I get it... However, I would like to understand this phenomenon before dropping a couple hundred bucks on a lid.

I have a Fluval Evo which is a 13gal Nano. I'm running an AI Prime which I recently purchased so I am new to being "topless".

I need to add a couple utilitarian fish so I figured I'd better get a lid. I'm leaning towards the Kraken but I have a concern... I've seen a "grid pattern" in a tank from a YouTuber which is clearly a shadow from the mesh of the lid. I do NOT care for this look so I would liketo better understand why I see it in some tanks but not others.

Anyone familiar with this?

blaxsun · Dec 26, 2022

I've owned several mesh lids and never observed this. Make sure the filament for the mesh is translucent and you should be good to go.

A_Blind_Reefer · Dec 26, 2022

I never noticed any in the past. I found the white slash clear netting from RS to be too reflective for my liking, personal opinion. I had great luck with the black mesh from brs. The only thing I noticed was a slight shadow in the center of my tank as I made a two piece, split top to make it easier to open up. The shadow on mine was from the frame pieces and not the mesh itself. Don’t know if that helps you out

MoshJosh · Dec 26, 2022

I used egg crate as a lid for a while and couldn't see a grid pattern

mfinn · Dec 26, 2022

I've had 4 different mesh lids and have not seen anything like a grid pattern.

Zach B · Dec 26, 2022

+1, not visible

Lord_Mort · Dec 27, 2022

Just so ya'll don't think I'm crazy.... (picky maybe, but not crazy) =)

DeniseAndy · Dec 27, 2022

Weird. I have never noticed a pattern on any of my tanks. I have used egg crate only, egg crate with the clear mesh and just clear mesh with frame border.
Maybe it only shows with the lower light?

Garf · Dec 27, 2022

Lord_Mort said:
Just so ya'll don't think I'm crazy.... (picky maybe, but not crazy) =)

That’s odd. What lights are you using?

Beau_B · Dec 27, 2022

Lord_Mort said:
Just so ya'll don't think I'm crazy.... (picky maybe, but not crazy) =)

That looks more like "disco" effect than a result of a mesh. Definitely have seen individual led diodes rainbow-ing the sand.

I've had a few different style tops too, including eggcrate on a nano for a bit and didn't see any grid shadow.

I never finish anythi · Dec 27, 2022

I have a black mesh lid and don't notice it tbh. Probably will since you mentioned it tho

Lord_Mort · Dec 27, 2022

LOL.

This is not my tank. It's something I noticed in a youtube video and got a little concerned. It's probably related to his camera too.

workhz · Dec 27, 2022

Could be the difference between shooting video vs a photo vs what’s seen in real life/time. I have egg crate on mine and don’t see any shadows.

Can you get a top that is returnable in case it does create shadows.

saltnut · Dec 27, 2022

I have 3 tanks and they all have mesh lids. 1 DYI and 1 was supplied with the tank IM10 they do not have any visible grid on the sand. I also have 1 studio 12 by reef-casa with their light and lid. For the first time. Just a couple nights ago I noticed the grid. Because of this thread I am looking at this set up and noticed the light is tilled. Not flat or parallel with the water surface. I am going to straighten out the light and I think that will fix it.

Lord_Mort · Dec 27, 2022

workhz said:
Could be the difference between shooting video vs a photo vs what’s seen in real life/time. I have egg crate on mine and don’t see any shadows.

Can you get a top that is returnable in case it does create shadows.

I agree it probably has something to do with the video.

As for the lid, I placed my order with @Kraken Reef yesterday. I should be able to report back in 2-4 weeks =) I haven't checked but I'm pretty sure the Kraken lid wont be returnable since I had a couple of cut outs done.

EricR · Dec 27, 2022

I run 2x AI Prime 16 HD LEDs and seems like they just have a slight bit of that "disco ball" effect to them.
I run clear mesh (from Amazon) top but the effect is barely any different with or without the mesh, at least to my eyes.

JTP424 · Dec 27, 2022

I believe it has a bit to do with the type of lights as well. I run an AI 16 with a clear Red Sea mesh lid and haven't run into any issues.

Check this vid out, it doesn't talk TOO much about lids directly, but you get the gist how it may be the actual bulbs.

BRStv Investigates: Do LED light diffusers have a place in the reef tank?

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/aquarium-lighting/aquarium-led-lighting.html Today on BRStv, we have a brand new episode for our series, BRStv Investigates. In this series we explore popular reefing theories, products, methods, and what the manuals are missing, with a focus on putting them to...

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