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Building a lid for a 180

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Reeferforlyfe, Apr 15, 2012.

  1. Reeferforlyfe

    Reeferforlyfe Inactive User

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    So I need to make a lid for my 180 so I can keep those pesky fish from jumping out of my tank. I was thinking about buying the stuff from bulk reef but all said and done, that was going to run me about 100$, not what I'm willing to invest in a lid.
    I have screen that's got 1/4 inch squares in it, so that's good as far as the screen goes, but what would you guys use for the frame? Let's figure each square is 24"x24" but it's not because of the two braces. 
    Either way, I want the three lids to be about 6 inches short, so I can make a separate lid for that 6" section that way I can pull those out to feed and what not, so I don't have to take the full lid off. You guys still with me here?
    What are your suggestions, or what did you utilize on your tanks? Thanks for the input in advance!
     
  2. Tholton33

    Tholton33 Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    just go to home depot/lowes and get the screen frame kits.
     
  3. Tholton33

    Tholton33 Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    here is a good DIY and one of the cheapest places to get mesh screen

    http://www.aquariumoverload.com/clearmeshtops.html
     
  4. Pete H.

    Pete H. Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    My 20 gallon is a bit smaller than your 180 is, but I used extruded aluminum and deer netting. I interwove a flat piece of aluminum through the net and screwed it together with an angle piece. It pulls the net together and kept it flat on the tank. Only cost me a couple bucks at the hardware store.

    Don't know if it would work on a larger tank.
     
  5. Reeferforlyfe

    Reeferforlyfe Inactive User

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    I've got a whole roll of 1/4 mess screen when I was making casting nets to throw on my fish tank when I as trying to catch a fish back in the day lol. So I've got that covered... Does menards have this as well you think?
     
  6. Pete H.

    Pete H. Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Also a great idea. I might have to look into using it later. /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif
     
  7. Tholton33

    Tholton33 Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    i would assume so.
     
  8. Reeferforlyfe

    Reeferforlyfe Inactive User

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    Thanks for the link Tholton, and thanks for the info Pete. I shall work on this, tomorrow hopefully. I'll have it done by the end of the week for sure!
     
  9. Tholton33

    Tholton33 Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    now im interested in how your netting worked when trying to catch the fish...
     
  10. Reeferforlyfe

    Reeferforlyfe Inactive User

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    LOL! I took a 2ft by 2ft chunk of that mesh and put 1 ounce sinkers on all 4 corners and then sinkers inbetween those. Basically dropped it on top of then and walllaaa, caught me a fish! It took a few more trys than that tho lol, but it worked! That was when I just had a fowlr tho, wouldn't do that if you have a bunch of corals hanging around lol
     
  11. blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    Cedar Rapids, IA
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    I used screen door/window frame for my cover. Cut to length, add the plastic corner pieces, layout the screen, press in the spline.
    Really easy to do, and the frame material is tons cheaper than what BRS sells it for.
     
  12. Reeferforlyfe

    Reeferforlyfe Inactive User

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    Where did you buy that stuff?
     
  13. blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    Cedar Rapids, IA
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    got the frame and spline at lowes and used the BRS screen material.
     
  14. Tholton33

    Tholton33 Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    the screen frame and spline its the same stuff as the link i sent you. did menards not have it?
     

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