screen tops for large tanks...custom or DIY?

[Devaji]

Sorry for all the question guys but piecing this together and wanted to talk to reefers who have been done this path.

so for you large tanks did you DIY screen top or go custom. If money was no issue of course I would go custom.
if you went with DIY how many support pieces did you use to keep if from bowing?

can you post pic of your set up DIY and custom plz :D

 

[cracker]

iv'e always made my own tops with window screen frame . Also eggcrate along the back 4 or 5 inches for chords returns etc . One can easily cut out a notch in the crate .

 

[Bob Weigant]

I got a custom price and it was insanely high. I'll make my own

 

[Maggie321]

Window screen frame, 1/4 inch nylon screen and acrylic for the very front because I have a bow front. The acrylic piece is hinged so it makes it easier to feed. I had a wrasse jump and become wrasse jerky so a top is required because it wouldn't be a reef tank without a wrasse.

If money was no object, obviously I would go with custom... But reality...

 

[Mebeknob]

Clear view makes nice kids but they’re pricey.

If you make your own try to find these corner clips.

Really add to the seamless look

 

[Devaji]

yeah I made a DIY screen top for my last tank never fit right and bowed. so for my new tank it will be rimless I do want it to look nice.

would love to see some large 5'+ tanks with both DIY & custom work.

 

[Fin]

48"tank with two separate panels. Combo mesh, eggcrate and gutter guard underneath the eggcrate (because the openings are too large). Plus, the frame was sprayed black to match the eggcrate I used. I wouldn't make one large piece. It is easier to lift a single panel for access.

 

[Fin]

And this will be the top on my new tank... also 48" (Eurobraced)

 

[Devaji]

looking at artfully acrylic lids price seems far but not sure on the turn around time. I hear anywhere form 2 weeks to 6 weeks

 

[Crabby48]

Window screen frame, 1/4 inch nylon screen and acrylic for the very front because I have a bow front. The acrylic piece is hinged so it makes it easier to feed. I had a wrasse jump and become wrasse jerky so a top is required because it wouldn't be a reef tank without a wrasse.

If money was no object, obviously I would go with custom... But reality...

Wrasse jerky made me laugh but sorry for the suicide jump.
Lid looks great

 

[Mebeknob]

I see only two options

~$250 clear view lid

Or you buy redhead DIY kit

https://www.redseafish.com/customizable-diy-aquarium-net-cover/

This way you don’t have to worry about any issues you had with your other one.