DIY Screen top

drama07 · 03/31/2009, 04:00 PM

What materials can i buy to make an attractive screen top for my tank?

I read people using aluminum frames or something, but im very confused. There will be some turns other than the corners of the tank. Whats the best screen mesh (MH melt-proof) to use?

thx

THE ROOK · 03/31/2009, 07:09 PM

Home Depot sells
-black aluminum frame usually 8-10ft lengths
-plastic corners that slip into the frame ends
-spine material (looks like rope/holds screen in place)
-spline tool
-your choice of screen rolls. I went with black plastic, I believe.

Should cost no more than $20.00 for everything & takes maybe an hour the 1st time. They work great but it does block a little light. Supposedly using a garden type netting to keep birds out has larger opening thus less light blockage.

After all that, I've decided to go without any tops. I figure if the fish jumps, then good riddens as it didn't appreciate all the work I've done to keep it alive.

03/31/2009, 04:00 PM	#1
drama07 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Posts: 337	DIY Screen top What materials can i buy to make an attractive screen top for my tank? I read people using aluminum frames or something, but im very confused. There will be some turns other than the corners of the tank. Whats the best screen mesh (MH melt-proof) to use? thx

03/31/2009, 07:09 PM	#2
THE ROOK Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Springfield, MA Posts: 2,100	Home Depot sells -black aluminum frame usually 8-10ft lengths -plastic corners that slip into the frame ends -spine material (looks like rope/holds screen in place) -spline tool -your choice of screen rolls. I went with black plastic, I believe. Should cost no more than $20.00 for everything & takes maybe an hour the 1st time. They work great but it does block a little light. Supposedly using a garden type netting to keep birds out has larger opening thus less light blockage. After all that, I've decided to go without any tops. I figure if the fish jumps, then good riddens as it didn't appreciate all the work I've done to keep it alive.