DIY screen top for a bowfront tank???

amcgee2842 · Mar 29, 2019

How did you bend the frame?

MichaelClark55 · Mar 29, 2019

I laid out 3" construction screws on a sheet of plywood the shape of the top. I used the canopy as a template. The first screw should be 2 screws spread apart the thickness of the screen frame. That's to hold it in place. Then using a heat gun to soften the metal, gently pull the frame material against the screws to make the shape. You have to take your time or the material will just fold up. Took me 2 sticks to get the hang of it.

MichaelClark55 · Apr 2, 2019

I'm sorry, I thought I answered this already, but apparently not.

Layout the shape of the top you are making on a sheet of plywood. (I used the canopy) Then screw in 2-3" construction screws along the line of the layout. The first spot should have 2 screws spaced apart the width of the metal you are using +1/8" (that's to hold it into place) Place the metal into that slot you just made then start heating the first 6-10" or so of the metal with a heat gun set on high and gentle start pulling the metal towards the screws along the outline. Keep doing this until you get to the end. Do this slowly or you will bend the metal (it is thin aluminum). Once you have finished leave the piece in the jig for a couple of hours to let it settle into the new shape.

amcgee2842 · Apr 11, 2019

Thanks going to add this to my list of many things

traylor23 · Feb 25, 2020

Welp...after hours of searching, how would you propose something for a half-moon shaped tank?

Tugbtr · Mar 2, 2021

Are you still make bow front screen tops

Norcal98 · Mar 27, 2021

Hi I'm interested in an 36 gallon bow front lid for my salt water tank please email me at [email protected] thanks.

Norcal98 · Mar 27, 2021

Hi I'm interested in an 36 gallon bow front lid for my salt water tank please email me at [email protected] thanks.

ReeferRubio · Aug 6, 2021

I’m looking to have a screen top made for a 46 gallon with cut out for a filter and 2 lights

Skinnerstead · Jun 28, 2023

How do I mess you? I need a screen cover for a 58 gallon corner bowfront aquarium. I'm new here and do not know how to pm. Can you email me [email protected]?

Skinnerstead · Jun 28, 2023

I'm needing a screen top for a 56 gallon corner bowfront aquarium. It will have frogs in it, they need lights and containment

bloodangelmaniac · Sep 3, 2023

Hi all I was looking to do a diy glass top for my bow tank. Im not so handy how hard is it to do? I saw the glass tops for sale online and might go that route. google says petswarehouse has them for all the bow sizes. Im going probably give them a call. Do you guys like the screen over the glass?

Aline · Dec 21, 2023

Hi, Got a 4ft Fluvial 360L bow front tank for my birthday last week, I'm having a nightmare trying to find a lid for it. It came with a DIY one but looks dodgy not putting it on my tank. I would fashion one myself but don't have all tools or the inclination anymore lol also have arthritis in wrists and elbow... anyway, can you help me out please? Aline (DIY enthusiastic woman)