How To Build an Aquarium Screen Net Top | DIY
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- brs.li/DIYScree... Keep your fish in the tank with minimal impact on light penetration with a do-it-yourself screen net top!
To build this, you have two options:
1. Buy the items at a big box hardware store (probably the cheapest option).
2. Buy our DIY Screen Net Top Kit, which has everything you need including the screen frame, corners, spline, spline roller and clear netting.
The clear 1/4" netting is really hard to find, but we do have it available on our site: www.bulkreefsup...
Once you have all your materials, here's how to build the top:
Step 1: Measure the inside lip of the aquarium frame, or rimless tank to get the dimensions for your new top.
Step 2: Subtract the corner from the total length and width. Each corner is 3/4", and there's one on each side so you will need to subtract a total of 1 1/2" off each side.
Step 3: Measure and mark two pieces of frame.
Step 4: Cut the frame.
TIP: We use a hacksaw in a series of backward strokes, which cuts through the aluminum frame easily
Step 5: Assemble the frame with the corners.
Step 6: Install the screen using the spline and spline roller.
TIP: This step is easier and yields better results when done by two people; one to hold the screen in place and one to roll in the spline. It's not difficult to do alone, if need be though.
TIP: The easiest way to achieve a taut and square look is to cut the netting to a more manageable size, just a few inches larger than the frame you are working with.
Step 7: Cut off excess netting using a sharp razor.
You're done! If you have a plastic rim aquarium, all you need to do is set it in place. If you have a rimless tank, you have a few options. First would be to use a reef safe epoxy covered magnet, or you could attach a few pieces of acrylic to the glass with silicone for the top to rest on.
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The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.
This took me a while to put together by myself - but the end product is great! My solution for equipment / cords was to cut a 2 inch strip of egg crate to go along the back of the aquarium. I cut out squares as needed for cords on the left and right corners, and also in the center at the back of the strip (for my AI Prime 16 mount). I then made the screen a rectangle that is 2 inches less deep than my aquarium, and it fits in front of the egg crate. With this setup, I can easily change the cutouts in the egg crate, as needed; if my equipment changes. I have a pic if anyone is interested...
I’d like to see this. I’ve been trying to figure this out
@@thomaskindable You should be able to see a pic of my setup here: photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipO9I64t4DYSjHBwVWzilI1Gh9Ctg2QVocLL275J
I would love to see a picture! The link didn’t work
I made one of these for my rimless tank. I made it the same dimensions of my tank, so that it lays on the top of my tank. I used plastic stick-on feet to create a small gap. These stickers are used as cushion for small speakers, appliances etc. These stick-on feet create a small gap that allow my cords to leave the tank.
@1:21 my man is living life on the edge
Hard thing is trying to do it for a corner tank or bow fronts
Great video, very helpful.
Great video, i got my clownfish harem and had 1 jumper. either suicide hotline or netting .
What do you do to protect the aluminum frame from corrosion with the salt spray from the tank?
If you have a mitre box you might as well cut them at a 45 degree angle to hide the plastic corners, especially if you use a different colour frame
The current Solana 34 gallon rimless cube comes with these nice clear plastic tabs that just slide on the top of the tank to told the glass top I'm sure you could order these by themselves instead of gluing tabs in your tank, just some advice. Great video I think I'll do this instead of using the glass top.
how do I go about doing this for a bow front?
same question for me=)
I got the same pro....smh I got the 36 bowfront tank....
If you have an overflow on your tank, how would you cut the guides to make a unique shape to fit the tank? The kit comes with 4 guides to attach the rods, but wouldn't you need more if you make a screen like the one in the end of the video? Also, what if you have chords from a heater and pump coming out of tank as well?
2018 and still there's nothing better than this in the trade outside of ReefTops in the UK which build the best most professional product on the planet. Why would I pay two thousand dollars for a reef tank and then throw that thing on top of it.
would love a corner tank kit :)
So if you make the screen top, what do you do about cords for power heads? do you just let the screen be propped up on the sides by the power head cords?
Edit: or can you make cut outs into the metal part of the frame of the cords?
Brian Haigh I ran everything out through the corners. The corners can be easily cut away with a fresh stanly blade. Looks very neat.
Thx .. didn’t think of that
Tried creating a version for tank with overflow - adding the cutout with a few extra corners compromises that ability of the frame to remain at straight angles. As a result, the side with the cutout collapses inward and creates a large gap. This happens before the netting is added, so doesn’t result from any tension.
I ended up constructing a four- side frame and making a cut directly in the net to allow for return pipe to enter the overflow. This will be somewhat inconvenient to manage as I won’t be able to take the screen off without taking apart a piece of the return piping, but at least there are no gaps for fish to jump through.
Has anyone constructed this for a tank with overflow and avoided the issue of the frame losing shape?
If you don't have anyone to help and you have e big enough table you can tape down the screen over the frame to the top of the table. I have a video about it on my channel. Your kit works great BTW. I really like the 1/4 netting. I bought the 1/2 too but the 1/4 is much nicer.
Great video… about to buy something else to say thx… 😊
Any guidance on building one of these for a bow front ? I’m trying to figure out a material I can use for the frame that can curve
Awesome video followed this exactly to make the perfect screen netting :D
And for this video I’m about to buy something else on the brs website for thx … 😊
I built one for my Reefer 250 and after it was assembled the assembly tends to twist. Has anyone seen this before? Any ideas on how to prevent this?
Thanks for this helpful video. I'm not clear on how to remove the guides and invert for cut-outs. Can someone clarify?
You'd have to cut them off with a razor blade or similar tool. Just be careful not to cut yourself.
You might find it easier to use the Red Sea screen top as they make specific cutout sections that don't require modification like we're talking about here.
www.bulkreefsupply.com/customizable-diy-aquarium-net-cover-kit-red-sea.html
Just found a $100 fish behind my tank. I’m going now to get this
Sorry to hear that 😢
Could you do a informative video on frag food additives explaining it's pros and cons and how to use it properly?
Cool awesome 😄
***** not frag food I ment fish food additives sorry
Any idea on how to make a screen top for a flat back hexagon tank? There is 2 135 degrees angles, and I can't seem to find corners for it anywhere.
Anything other than 90 degree corners is going to be hard to find. For a hexagon shaped tank, or other unique shapes, you're probably going to have to go custom.
I have HOB filter/skimmer/ato on my rimless... can this work if I only use the front and side frames and cut out the mesh to fit my gear?
Unfortunately, the mesh will be very loose and not look too great if you were to skip the frame on one side.
hmm.. what about round shaped tanks? i have the juwel vision 450 liter
Hey BRS - any tips beyond the video on this? I'm looking to create a top for a redsea reefer 250 rimless, so it's got the overflow box in the back...a little concerned about my ability to not screw up the measurements on that....
Do you have any ideas on how to make something like this work for a bow front aquarium 72 gallon to be specific.
What are the advantagious and Disadvantages Of mesh versus acrylic lids??
Acrylic will keep the heat it. I live in Florida and have to keep a fan on the water 24/7.
I was curious where did you guys get those huge RODI containers in the back? Any brand name?
Roya gramma decided to close up shop and hop out of my tank. Just bought one of these
International shipping would be great! Can`t find netting like that in Norway.. :(
Bulk Reef Supply How would you make the frame for a bowfront?
Hi, do you know the best way to remove a small baffle in a glass sump that is siliconed together? Thanks.
Thanks! :)
Hey Bulk Reef Supply I noticed at 3:03 you guys made the screen to go over the Elos System Midi, exactly the tank my gf has...how did you guys hold the screen up on that tank? any chances of speaking to you guys directly about the Elos you guys have there, general questions about it?
thanks :) called up your team there is awesome
How do you manipulate the frame for rounded sides? The front of my tank curves
BulkReefSupplyCom can you send me some links to the online companies?
22 and 1/2 minus 1 and 1/2 equals 21 inches? but he said 21 and 1/4. am i the only one catching this or is my math wrong? also would the 2' kit be appropriate for the 40 gallon breeder?
40 gallon breeders are usually ~36" long, so you'll need the 3 foot kit and then cut the screen frame down to size.
www.bulkreefsupply.com/diy-aquarium-screen-top-kits-for-rimmed-tanks-1-4-netting.html
Many people cover their tanks with acrylic sheets, how does this affect gas exchange and light penetration? Would Co2 build up inside the tank?
Great answer, thanks!
I want to keep humidity out of the room where the display is but I want to add the sump in a different room where it doesn't matter, could I add a large wood airstone in the sump and crank up the flow o the return will it solve the problem? Oh and I don't want to run a skimmer.
great thanks
Great video. What size net kit that you have on your website would you recommend for a 30x30 cube aquarium?
You'll want to go with the 3' frame and then cut it down to size. The aluminum frame is super easy to cut with a small hack saw.
do you sell small epoxy covered magnets for us rimless guys?
No intro music? :-(
Rimless reefer here... Jk, been wanting to say that
How would you make a screen for only half of a 100-gallon tank? I need to make one for my 4-year-old pet turtle.
The aluminum screen frame is really easy to cut with a hack saw and miter box. You'll just want to cut it down to whatever size you need for your particular tank.
I have a curve front tank can i use this method?
In all honesty, these screen tops with aluminum frames don't work well for a bowfront aquarium. You may want to look into getting something custom made instead.
How would you create a mesh screen for a rim less bow front tank
Unfortunately, the screen frame options aren't easily bent, but there are some companies out there that make custom screen tops for bowfront tanks.
I just bought me one
unfortunately you dont have the kit for 9' long aquarium. :( . i have tried to find a connection or joint to connect two aluminum frames to make it longer but i couldn't find any. even the clips for rimless tanks i need for 3/4" glass :( . do you have any idea? please
Thanks! What about the clear netting ?
booooyaaaaa . problem has been solved thanks :)
Any idea how this could be done for a bow front? HELP!!
I found this really good example and thread for how to do it well. :) www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-screen-top-for-a-bowfront-tank.230311/post-2730173
Could you make the frame out of wood? Or would it rot
BulkReefSupplyCom ok thanks for responding
🤣
Won't the lid just snap in place on a rimless?
BulkReefSupplyCom alright thanks!
Saws work on burst, you will damage the blade if youre only cutting backwards. Besides this, nice and straight forward Video as always
***** Sorry I had to be a smart ass :D
Wait what about rust?
The screen frame is made from aluminum. Because aluminum has no iron in it, it won't rust.
My flowerhorn would smash thru that :(
Eh idk.....
u sound like trump....
Cowbelly’s son ha not... trump can’t read. Ryan can.. and smoothly