Jumping Fish: Mesh covers, egg-crate, different ideas

mapn4reef · 08/03/2009, 10:38 AM

Can some folks post photos...DIY thread links on how to make these...any information on what works best to keep jumping fish in the tank, and looks good at the same time...

So far, this is the best I've found...saw one made out of black mesh too.

http://www.*********.com/forums/f30/...-top-5124.html

Thanks.

rick99vt · 08/03/2009, 12:28 PM

I made the same exact screen out of bird block netting and it's perfect....no light blockage, complete air flow, halides don't heat it up. That link says it all, everything you need to build a screen is at Home Depot or Lowes, but just use bird block netting instead of window screen mesh. I would guess a very tiny wrasse could jump out through that larger mesh. However, I have a scott's fairy wrasse and midas blenny, both of which are notorious for jumping and this has kept them in!

Eff Ewe · 08/03/2009, 02:08 PM

Between the link and what rick said is perfect advice. I think you'll be happy doing it that way.

Sk8r · 08/03/2009, 02:12 PM

2 really good materials, depending on fish size: plastic needlepoint canvas, (hobby store) or gutter guard. (Lowes).

snorvich · 08/03/2009, 03:44 PM

PM bradleyj for pictures and instructions on a great mesh top.

bradleyj · 08/03/2009, 07:34 PM

PM sent.

mapn4reef · 08/04/2009, 08:58 AM

Thanks guys. I think this is the route I'm going with. I'd like to find the clear/natural mesh...which I've found online...but you have to buy huge roles of it. Cheapest I found was a roll of "Clam Netting" on Ebay for $120...

I didn't realize there were so many types of netting out there.

Check it out: http://www.usnetting.com/

http://www.industrialnetting.com/clam.html

IUnknown · 08/04/2009, 04:51 PM

My original plan was just to get a glass or acrylic top. Is this just going to be a waste of my time? Does too much water condense on the glass and block the light? I figured about a 3 inch. space in the back for air exchange. Its a rimless tank, so mesh top would be a little more difficult (to get it to look right?).

08/03/2009, 10:38 AM	#1
mapn4reef Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Goodlettsville, TN Posts: 662	Jumping Fish: Mesh covers, egg-crate, different ideas Can some folks post photos...DIY thread links on how to make these...any information on what works best to keep jumping fish in the tank, and looks good at the same time... So far, this is the best I've found...saw one made out of black mesh too. http://www.*********.com/forums/f30/...-top-5124.html Thanks.

08/03/2009, 02:12 PM	#4
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	2 really good materials, depending on fish size: plastic needlepoint canvas, (hobby store) or gutter guard. (Lowes). __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

08/03/2009, 03:44 PM	#5
snorvich Team RC member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Outlander Posts: 40,953 Blog Entries: 46	PM bradleyj for pictures and instructions on a great mesh top. __________________ Warmest regards, ~Steve~

08/03/2009, 07:34 PM	#6
bradleyj Reefkeeping Mag Staff Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Murray, Utah Posts: 3,454	PM sent. __________________ Murray, Utah 335G reef, 72" Maristar, Deltec AP702, PF601S , 2 Darts 4Vortech MP40's 18,000 Gph Feb, 2012 RC TOTM Current Tank Info: 335g Leemar

08/03/2009, 12:28 PM	#2
rick99vt Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 38	I made the same exact screen out of bird block netting and it's perfect....no light blockage, complete air flow, halides don't heat it up. That link says it all, everything you need to build a screen is at Home Depot or Lowes, but just use bird block netting instead of window screen mesh. I would guess a very tiny wrasse could jump out through that larger mesh. However, I have a scott's fairy wrasse and midas blenny, both of which are notorious for jumping and this has kept them in!

08/03/2009, 02:08 PM	#3
Eff Ewe Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Long Island Posts: 56	Between the link and what rick said is perfect advice. I think you'll be happy doing it that way.

08/04/2009, 08:58 AM	#7
mapn4reef Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Goodlettsville, TN Posts: 662	Thanks guys. I think this is the route I'm going with. I'd like to find the clear/natural mesh...which I've found online...but you have to buy huge roles of it. Cheapest I found was a roll of "Clam Netting" on Ebay for $120... I didn't realize there were so many types of netting out there. Check it out: http://www.usnetting.com/ http://www.industrialnetting.com/clam.html

08/04/2009, 04:51 PM	#8
IUnknown Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: san jose Posts: 97	My original plan was just to get a glass or acrylic top. Is this just going to be a waste of my time? Does too much water condense on the glass and block the light? I figured about a 3 inch. space in the back for air exchange. Its a rimless tank, so mesh top would be a little more difficult (to get it to look right?).