RedSea Mesh Top - Channel?

[Bear22]

Hey Guys,

For those who are familiar with the RedSea style of DIY mesh tops - does anybody know where to source the channel material (that has the spline kerf cutout)?

The mesh itself looks like bird aviary netting.

I am curious if there is a commercial source for the channel without paying RedSea prices.

TIA

 

[BeanAnimal]

It is just screen spline. I am not sure what diameter, but take a piece to the hardware store and try a few out. Spend a few bucks and get the the roller tool, it will make installation easier.


EDIT: Sorry re-read your post.

You want the channel itself? It is called screen rail, screen frame or screen channel. You can get it at the big box store. However, you will only find outside corners. I modified corners to fit inside. They could also be 3D printed, but may not have enough strength under tension.

I built several frames for the tank using the netting from BRS (I think) and screen rail from lowes.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

Hey Guys,

For those who are familiar with the RedSea style of DIY mesh tops - does anybody know where to source the channel material (that has the spline kerf cutout)?

The mesh itself looks like bird aviary netting.

I am curious if there is a commercial source for the channel without paying RedSea prices.

TIA

There are other options for diy kits (like DD) which may be less expensive.

The problem with the extrusion is that it not only has the channel for the screen and spline, but a t-slot for the flush mount clips. I think you’d be hard pressed to find the exact same channel especially in black.

One could use traditional window screen frame channel (again not sure you can find black easily though) but would need to figure out clips for flush mounting unless you just sat it over the glass as opposed to recessed.

The netting that cones with the kit used to be white/clear (I think it still is). I believe DD cones with black. If you’re like me and don’t like glare you may end up buying black netting as it is much less reflective (in my option) which would cost a few more bucks. I don’t have the DD but people seem to like them.

To be honest, while there is a reef tax it’s not horrific for what it is.

 

[Bear22]

There are other options for diy kits (like DD) which may be less expensive.

The problem with the extrusion is that it not only has the channel for the screen and spline, but a t-slot for the flush mount clips. I think you’d be hard pressed to find the exact same channel especially in black.

One could use traditional window screen frame channel (again not sure you can find black easily though) but would need to figure out clips for flush mounting unless you just sat it over the glass as opposed to recessed.

The netting that cones with the kit used to be white/clear (I think it still is). I believe DD cones with black. If you’re like me and don’t like glare you may end up buying black netting as it is much less reflective (in my option) which would cost a few more bucks. I don’t have the DD but people seem to like them.

To be honest, while there is a reef tax it’s not horrific for what it is.

The reason I ask is that I am building some storm windows and this channel would work out well for the purpose that I need it for.

If I asked about this same style of channel on a home improvement DIY forum; I'd be pretty much be guaranteed to get a "deer in the headlights" response, as most people out there don't speak aquarium hobbyist language in terms of hardware.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

The reason I ask is that I am building some storm windows and this channel would work out well for the purpose that I need it for.

If I asked about this same style of channel on a home improvement DIY forum; I'd be pretty much be guaranteed to get a "deer in the headlights" response, as most people out there don't speak aquarium hobbyist language in terms of hardware.

Ah, well for an application like you’re attempting is the dual channel (screen/spline AND t-slot) necessary?

I would think traditional storm/solar screen frames would be a better fit, but I’m not looking at what you got going on. Storm/solar screen frames are typically much thicker than standard window screen channel to take heavy winds. I think I bought my storm/solar channel from metro screen (?) online, along with 90% solar fabric. Maybe they (or similar) have something that will work for your project?

 

[BeanAnimal]

Storm channel will defiantly fare better under tension than regular screen frame. The corner connectors are much stiffer too.

 

[Bear22]

Ah, well for an application like you’re attempting is the dual channel (screen/spline AND t-slot) necessary?

I would think traditional storm/solar screen frames would be a better fit, but I’m not looking at what you got going on. Storm/solar screen frames are typically much thicker than standard window screen channel to take heavy winds. I think I bought my storm/solar channel from metro screen (?) online, along with 90% solar fabric. Maybe they (or similar) have something that will work for your project?

Edit. It was solarscreenoutlet that I purchased from.

For my application I need that spline kerf to be as close to the edge as possible. This is where traditional screen framing falls short and the RedSea stuff shines. So far, I haven't been able to source something similar to the RedSea style of channel in terms of the profile.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

For my application I need that spline kerf to be as close to the edge as possible. This is where traditional screen framing falls short and the RedSea stuff shines. So far, I haven't been able to source something similar to the RedSea style of channel in terms of the profile.

Yeah that’s the deal, I’m pretty confident the rs material is a custom extrusion vs stamped. I don’t believe it’s a borrowed extrusion profile but not 100% certain. I can’t think of any other options for you. Maybe if you present a picture or sketch of what you’re doing, someone can be of more help. I think metro screens has varying profiles (not just standard), like standoff and lipped but I don’t know that any of those will work. Might be worth a gander though.

 

[Bear22]

Yeah that’s the deal, I’m pretty confident the rs material is a custom extrusion vs stamped. I don’t believe it’s a borrowed extrusion profile but not 100% certain. I can’t think of any other options for you. Maybe if you present a picture or sketch of what you’re doing, someone can be of more help. I think metro screens has varying profiles (not just standard), like standoff and lipped but I don’t know that any of those will work. Might be worth a gander though.

Thanks for the link(s). I'll have to dig further ;-)

 

[BeanAnimal]

Yeah that’s the deal, I’m pretty confident the rs material is a custom extrusion vs stamped. I don’t believe it’s a borrowed extrusion profile but not 100% certain. I can’t think of any other options for you. Maybe if you present a picture or sketch of what you’re doing, someone can be of more help. I think metro screens has varying profiles (not just standard), like standoff and lipped but I don’t know that any of those will work. Might be worth a gander though.

I spent weeks searching for profiles (for this and for a screen/storm porch) and you are correct. The RS stuff is almost certainly a custom extrusion.

I would reply to the OP, but I assume he must have me on ignore.

Also if I do another set of tank screens, I will use a 10x10 maker style profile. More rigid and easier to fabricate.

Happy Reefing.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

I spent weeks searching for profiles (for this and for a screen/storm porch) and you are correct. The RS stuff is almost certainly a custom extrusion.

I would reply to the OP, but I assume he must have me on ignore.

Also if I do another set of tank screens, I will use a 10x10 maker style profile. More rigid and easier to fabricate.

Happy Reefing.

Ignore list? Haha! I think (that's a stretch I know) only one person has put me on ignore thus far and it had to do with cleaning a rip.

An x profile would definitely be stout for a screen! I’m not sure what I would do if I had to do it again. I know a single section on a larger tank was a mistake. I redid mine into three 2x2(ish) sections for easier access. Then you have doubled up frame sections that can block some light.

Sliding panels or better yet a retractable roller would be cool. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dropped a panel into the tank.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Inside corners end up wanting to collapse or buckle under tension. That is why I would use the heavier profile.
MY tank is in-wall so the ideal for me is to build a magnetic vertical cage that simple extends from the 3 rim edges upward. I am just too lazy to do it.