The case for black screen tops!

[csb123]

See your corals better!
Reduce light spill outside the tank!
Don’t lose out on PAR.

Thanks to @ca1ore for inspiration and a chunk of netting!

Sean

 

[PDR]

I'm confused how black netting does what you claim over clear netting. Can you explain? Also, are you talking about a 1 par difference?

 

[csb123]

If you look at the first two picks, you see much more reflected glare. It is even more pronounced with all the lights on.

 

[Thingsibuild]

Makes sense when you see it. White/ clear is better reflector.

 

[fermentedhiker]

You're not getting a bump in par from using balck netting. The black absorbs light instead of reflecting ii like clear partially does. The 1 par difference on the meter is meaningless.

The other points are fair though and a worthwhile improvement for those without canopies.

 

[PDR]

Ah I see it now.

 

[csb123]

I’m just showing that you don’t lose any significant PAR using black netting.

 

[fermentedhiker]

My mistake. The way you wrote it made it seem like you were saying the clear netting was costing extra par

 

[ca1ore]

Thanks to @ca1ore for inspiration and a chunk of netting!

My pleasure; got there fast! I never put a meter on mine, though for me it was always the aesthetic (and less reflected light on the ceiling) that carried the day.

 

[cgdcinc]

I really like the way it looks. Gonna change mine out. [emoji106]

 

[mfinn]

Where do you find the black netting?

 

[KrisReef]

My pleasure; got there fast! I never put a meter on mine, though for me it was always the aesthetic (and less reflected light on the ceiling) that carried the day.

I'm hating this. I just bought the clear netting last week and now I find out I totally flubbed with that purchase. :(

Nice thread! I never would have considered black mesh as advantageous but I see your points clearly. I learn something new on here every day. Thanks @ca1ore

 

[csb123]

@ca1ore sold a piece of his. He called it cicadas netting. One can order it on Amazon.

 

[mfinn]

@ca1ore sold a piece of his. He called it cicadas netting. One can order it on Amazon.

I did a search there and found one place that sells 1400sq. ft. for $100

 

[ca1ore]

I’ve been calling it cicada netting, but checked my amazon order history and it’s actually Polypropylene Rabbit Pest Exclusion Net, 1/4” mesh. I bought a 42” x 200’ roll of the stuff for $150 back in 2016. I see 100’ rolls for $70. I’d be happy to send anyone who wants it; just cover shipping plus $10-15 based on size piece. Or do what I did and you have a lifetime supply LOL.

 

[Monkeytank]

I’ve been calling it cicada netting, but checked my amazon order history and it’s actually Polypropylene Rabbit Pest Exclusion Net, 1/4” mesh. I bought a 42” x 200’ roll of the stuff for $150 back in 2016. I see 100’ rolls for $70. I’d be happy to send anyone who wants it; just cover shipping plus $10-15 based on size piece. Or do what I did and you have a lifetime supply LOL.

How do you think that material compares to the much cheaper deer netting?

 

[JDowns]

Nice thread. Really like the look of the black netting.

 

[dantimdad]

I got mine from Simon and am building my screen this week.

I think it will look much better. I really don't like the reflection off the clear.

 

[ca1ore]

How do you think that material compares to the much cheaper deer netting?

LOL, since there are dozens of different kinds of ‘deer’ netting, I have no idea.

 

[dhof]

See your corals better!
Reduce light spill outside the tank!
Don’t lose out on PAR.

Thanks to @ca1ore for inspiration and a chunk of netting!

Sean

I'm really glad I ran into your thread, thanks for posting. I have a 40 breeder that sits pretty low, and the glare from the clear netting has always drove me nuts. I bought a roll of the black netting (and now I have enough for 10 lifetimes), and put it in yesterday. It's really amazing in person. I tried to take some comparison photos but they just don't capture the difference you see in real life. Very happy with the black netting idea, I'm sold!





Who would have ever thought that 'clear' netting would actually be the least clear? :)