Acrylic & Mesh Tank Cover - Page 3

KathyC · 03-08-2007, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scarf_ace1981


	one word dremel that mesh lid is sexy

Must have been late...didn't think about using a dremel!! I'll jump on that now before the flying wrasse wakes up... Thx for the thought Jon!!

Sexy lid huh? I was thinking more utilitarian...who knew? lol

Eznet2u · 03-17-2007, 11:16 AM

Very nice work Kathy!

It has been on for a couple of weeks now. Is the any problems?
warping, netting stretching, loosening?

I am very interested to see this long term. Please keep it updated.
Thanks.

melev · 03-20-2007, 02:22 AM

Very nice. I've been thinking about this exact project for the past few weeks, but planned to actually drill and weave fishing line back and forth. It would keep me busy for a bit.

I didn't see where you listed where the mesh came from.

SlamaJama · 03-20-2007, 08:40 AM

wow K, freakin awesome work, well thought out, and as jon said..sexy lid

KathyC · 03-20-2007, 09:14 AM

Thanks again guys!

EZnet - All is good so far! The 175w MH on this tank is only 6" above the cover and I've had no sagging, stretching or anything else negative. The glues are holding up great too.

Marc - The netting I used is 'pond & pool netting' made by Gardeneer. It's a 3/8" mesh which we've found is important as the netting (and eggcrate) in the 1/2" size is too large and a wrasse or gramma with a running start can shoot right through it. I bought mine at Ace Hardware as I recall the 14' x 14' pkg was around 6.99
I still have a bunch left over, if you want a chunk...just PM me and tell me how much you need & I'll drop it in the mail.
BTW- Welcome aboard, nice to have you here!

Hey Scarf - the dremel worked great, thx for the idea...the handle now actually operates the door..lol

pecan2phat · 03-20-2007, 09:24 AM

Kathy,
Do you still want that "old style" Terminator skimmer?

SIReefer · 03-20-2007, 09:25 AM

Excellent work KathyC.
I had the front glass cover of my tank open for feeding and my longnose hawk which I had for over a year shot out past me and landed on the cement floor (carpeting mighta saved him). With a mesh top I wouldn't have had this problem. Thats why I'm here-to pick up good ideas like this one.

KathyC · 03-20-2007, 09:38 AM

Thanks SIreefer!! That cover provides a LOT of peace of mind for me!

Warren, sure! Can use it for parts. So far the glue is holding the cylinder on mine together..but I don't trust it long term. I can pick up from you at work, just say when. Thanks again!!

melev · 03-20-2007, 01:40 PM

My tank is 72 x 30, so I have a feeling I need to use thicker acrylic to keep the rigidity necessary. I really like your hinged door idea. That was something I was trying to figure out. My tank has three bulbs hanging over it, so if I made it in two pieces. the center bulb (400w) would have to shine through both pieces of acrylic and I don't think that is a good plan.

KathyC · 03-21-2007, 02:26 AM

72 x 30? ...lucky you!! lol
I can't imagine a tank that long & wide has no bracing at all...just guessing... but I'd figure 2 braces? What about building it in 3 sections?
Doors could also be cut diagonally into the corners where a shadow might be less obvious, instead of straight across like mine.

First thought that pops to mind is there must be some metal (stainless steel?) or something that doesn't rust and is rigid that might be found in a width no more than 1/8" that could be used as a brace. Could be attached on both ends to the edging by the creative use of little pieces of plexi glued on the edging. Though ultimately I think you might still see a shadow from that...

Second thought would be binding a finished edging onto the netting (to keep it from tearing..though the stuff is pretty strong), and adding grommets to the edging. Then glue (?) ..I have no idea what, but something that the grommets can slip onto on the edge of the tank and pull the netting taut across the tank.

Still think there must be at least 1 brace...what is the frame made of Marc?

03-20-2007, 02:22 AM	#23
melev Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 60 Reefer Ratings: (0)	Very nice. I've been thinking about this exact project for the past few weeks, but planned to actually drill and weave fishing line back and forth. It would keep me busy for a bit. I didn't see where you listed where the mesh came from. __________________ Marc Visit Melev's Reef

03-20-2007, 08:40 AM	#24
SlamaJama Reefers Suck Hose... Join Date: May 2005 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 3,634 Reefer Ratings: (102)	wow K, freakin awesome work, well thought out, and as jon said..sexy lid __________________ [CENTER][B][I]When bullies rise up, you must beat them back down, whatever the cost...[/I][/B][/CENTER]

03-20-2007, 09:14 AM	#25
KathyC Rafflemeister Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Barnum Island Posts: 3,632 Reefer Ratings: (73)	Thanks again guys! EZnet - All is good so far! The 175w MH on this tank is only 6" above the cover and I've had no sagging, stretching or anything else negative. The glues are holding up great too. Marc - The netting I used is 'pond & pool netting' made by Gardeneer. It's a 3/8" mesh which we've found is important as the netting (and eggcrate) in the 1/2" size is too large and a wrasse or gramma with a running start can shoot right through it. I bought mine at Ace Hardware as I recall the 14' x 14' pkg was around 6.99 I still have a bunch left over, if you want a chunk...just PM me and tell me how much you need & I'll drop it in the mail. BTW- Welcome aboard, nice to have you here! Hey Scarf - the dremel worked great, thx for the idea...the handle now actually operates the door..lol __________________ Don't just treat the symptom, remedy the cause!

03-20-2007, 09:38 AM	#28
KathyC Rafflemeister Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Barnum Island Posts: 3,632 Reefer Ratings: (73)	Thanks SIreefer!! That cover provides a LOT of peace of mind for me! Warren, sure! Can use it for parts. So far the glue is holding the cylinder on mine together..but I don't trust it long term. I can pick up from you at work, just say when. Thanks again!! __________________ Don't just treat the symptom, remedy the cause!

03-20-2007, 01:40 PM	#29
melev Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 60 Reefer Ratings: (0)	My tank is 72 x 30, so I have a feeling I need to use thicker acrylic to keep the rigidity necessary. I really like your hinged door idea. That was something I was trying to figure out. My tank has three bulbs hanging over it, so if I made it in two pieces. the center bulb (400w) would have to shine through both pieces of acrylic and I don't think that is a good plan. __________________ Marc Visit Melev's Reef

03-17-2007, 11:16 AM	#22
Eznet2u Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The Central Valley, California Posts: 48 Reefer Ratings: (0)	Very nice work Kathy! It has been on for a couple of weeks now. Is the any problems? warping, netting stretching, loosening? I am very interested to see this long term. Please keep it updated. Thanks.

03-20-2007, 09:24 AM	#26
pecan2phat Professional Commuter Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Wallingford, CT Posts: 1,851 Reefer Ratings: (23)	Kathy, Do you still want that "old style" Terminator skimmer?

03-20-2007, 09:25 AM	#27
SIReefer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Staten Island Posts: 321 Reefer Ratings: (7)	Excellent work KathyC. I had the front glass cover of my tank open for feeding and my longnose hawk which I had for over a year shot out past me and landed on the cement floor (carpeting mighta saved him). With a mesh top I wouldn't have had this problem. Thats why I'm here-to pick up good ideas like this one.

03-21-2007, 02:26 AM	#30
KathyC Rafflemeister Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Barnum Island Posts: 3,632 Reefer Ratings: (73)	72 x 30? ...lucky you!! lol I can't imagine a tank that long & wide has no bracing at all...just guessing... but I'd figure 2 braces? What about building it in 3 sections? Doors could also be cut diagonally into the corners where a shadow might be less obvious, instead of straight across like mine. First thought that pops to mind is there must be some metal (stainless steel?) or something that doesn't rust and is rigid that might be found in a width no more than 1/8" that could be used as a brace. Could be attached on both ends to the edging by the creative use of little pieces of plexi glued on the edging. Though ultimately I think you might still see a shadow from that... Second thought would be binding a finished edging onto the netting (to keep it from tearing..though the stuff is pretty strong), and adding grommets to the edging. Then glue (?) ..I have no idea what, but something that the grommets can slip onto on the edge of the tank and pull the netting taut across the tank. Still think there must be at least 1 brace...what is the frame made of Marc? __________________ Don't just treat the symptom, remedy the cause!

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