How to avoid "this" with screen tops
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Kryptonian
Active Member
Jigsaw? Cut a notch. That's one (was one) on target wrasse to hit that gap. Sorry for the loss.how do I avoid the gap where the electric cord comes out of the tank? I lost a wrasse the other day and I think this is how it got out.
A triangle notch should be very easy to cut without damaging the screen.
I cut all my screens with a jigsaw. Just need high speed so it doesn't dent the bars. Could also use a hack saw.
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thewalkingdad
Active Member
A wrasse fit through that?
That seems like a fairly tight space. I'm so sorry to hear that.
I like the dremel idea of cutting a little notch out of the frame.
That seems like a fairly tight space. I'm so sorry to hear that.
I like the dremel idea of cutting a little notch out of the frame.
So I'm not certain the wrasse go out there, I added a large foxface and my wrasse was really freaked out. I havent seen it in over a week, but I never found it on the carpet either. I checked everywhere. For all I know it had a frickin heart attack and the hermits got him. But I have always hated how the screen tops dont fit flush because of the cords. I'm building a new tank and I want to avoid the gap!
Barnabie Mejia
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this is the exact reason I decided that I have an MP40 and MP10 on the tank..... I didn't want cords in the display and I wanted my screens to sit Flush on it. you could notch it, I would recommend making the cut a little bigger than the cord size, that way you aren't struggling getting the cord pinched in there when you take the top off or put it on....
I drilled a hole and then turned it into a U shape with a Dremel. Be sure and deburr the metal so it doesnt cut the cord.
Millwright
Community Member
I wouldn’t cut the aluminum because it will weaken the frame. Possibly allowing it to bend inward if your screening is tight. Personally I would grind or file the Outside corner of the plastic 90° corner connector.
GlassMunky
2500 Club Member
What he said...
I tried cutting a notch on one of my screens and all it did was give the frame a place to bend and deform.
Looks like a few ways to do it. It will depend on the fish you plan to have. Small wrasses and gobies will fit through it. My last go, used the corner pieces and added more mess over the spot as a shield.
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I used a Dremel tool to notch my lid corners for cords and air line for air stone.
That looks great!I made my own lids from 1.5" strips of 6mm acrylic. Where the cords for the wave makers enter, I drilled a slot to house them. Never had a fish jump out of the tank.
MastaMind82
Active Member
I was thinking about doing the same thing. How are you keeping the screen attached to the frame? Did you cut a channel for the spline around the frame?I made my own lids from 1.5" strips of 6mm acrylic. Where the cords for the wave makers enter, I drilled a slot to house them. Never had a fish jump out of the tank.
Ratherbeflyen
Well-Known Member
To keep from hijacking the thread, I made a new thread here, https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/how-to-diy-make-you-own-acrylic-lids.750306/
I have had two Lubbock's Wrasses just disappear I feel your pain.
Did not jump out as I have never found a carcass.
I have no hopes as its been almost two months now.
I was told they like to hide in the sand, so if you have a sand bed it could be keeping itself hidden.
Did not jump out as I have never found a carcass.
I have no hopes as its been almost two months now.
I was told they like to hide in the sand, so if you have a sand bed it could be keeping itself hidden.
Agree. Or can even make it 3/4 to 1” and put a strip of acrylic across the back inch and have your notches cut out of it and have wires secured to it. Pull covers off and not have to worry about getting wires into notches of lids.
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