Looking at Lids. Clear vs Black netting

[FishMann410]

I understand that clear netting produces a glare. Is this just looking top down or would you notice it if you were facing the tank?

Any down sides to black netting?

Thanks. I'm probably over thinking this.

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

In my experience, you're probably overthinking it lid on or off i cant see anything top down unless I turn off all my pumps and powerheads and at that point, if its a problem, I'd just take off the top for a few minutes while I look at everything. Not that I've noticed a glare, but I've never had black net either.

 

[UncommonSense]

I’d go with clear, probably 1/4” (6mm) hole spacing… most black mesh is made of fiberglass, which will shed particles into your tank over the years!

The clear plastic mesh isn’t impervious to UV either, but usually lasts at least 3-5 years!

 

[mfinn]

I'm going to buck the trend so far.
One of the things I noticed looking at my Clearview screen top with clear netting was a glare of sorts.
It was only when I was standing in front of the tank at a certain range.
When I switched to a different top with black netting, there wasn't that glare.
It really wasn't that big of an issue.

 

[slingfox]

I prefer black netting. The analogue is screen netting used for patio doors and windows. The high end manufacturers use black netting since you can view the back yard more clearly through black netting. The reason why is your brain filters out the thin black lines from the netting.

That said, one rarely stares at the tank from the top even though that is amongst the best view! Will be interesting to see if anybody who has viewed a tank through both clear vs black netting would recommend clear from a viewing perspective. Will see!

 

[rtparty]

Black netting all the way. Clear casts an awful glare back at you. Black might block a little more light but very few lights are underpowered these days anyway

 

[mfinn]

Black netting all the way. Clear casts an awful glare back at you. Black might block a little more light but very few lights are underpowered these days anyway

I read on a website advertising the black netting for DD Jumpguard the light blocked was about 2.5%.
I have no proof one way or the other.

 

[minus9]

Black netting blocks more light and will show salt creep more. The light issue may not be a big deal, but I tried black netting and I swapped after a couple weeks, as it turns white and you constantly have to keep it clean.

 

[Waters]

I have used both and never noticed a difference either way....no glare, no par change.