would you recommend metal screen for aquarium cover?

[kelogz08]

hi MR,

i would like to know if it is advisable to use metal screen aquarium covers ( similar to reptile enclosures) on my nano reef?

here is the link of the screen:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F97JAO/?tag=reefs04-20

thanks in advance

 

[cmantis]

No. Get some aluminum window screen frame and spline from HD and I will give you some clear plastic screen to use.

 

[SIReefer]

Metal & Salt = No good. Salt creep would be a problem. HD/Lowes for window screening.

 

[kelogz08]

i see. so aluminum is ok. how about fiber glass screen?

 

[edd]

don't use window screen, the holes are too small and will filter out a lot of light. use the clear plastic as cmantis recommended. the holes are 1/4" so won't affect your light.

 

[oro50]

I had a metal screen. One big reason why not to use a metal screen is the filters your using when it brings oxygen from above into your water, over time touching this metal possible will make that section of the screen rust.
Rust or Iron oxide Fe, is very dangerous for fish and other invertebrates.

 

[Tonyscoots84]

get everything from Bulk reef supply.

Aluminum frame
clear mesh for the screen
spline
spline roller

Other things you will need
Hacksaw
Measuring tape
Pencil

 

[j0hnnyb0y13ave]

I just got a black egg crate..

 

[Tonyscoots84]

I just got a black egg crate..

Bad choice. You are cutting out alot of light from your tank. But its your tank and your choice

 

[j0hnnyb0y13ave]

Don't see how an egg crate is blocking more light then a screen would but yea works pretty good for me.. I actually kept lights on with nothing on top took a pic then put the black crates on and was exactly the same.. Any kind or metal material over time will start to pit out or rot and that Prob wouldn't be so good if little pieces of aluminum r rotting away in your water colume.. I'm sure u have a ton more exsperince then I do but in my opinion plastic over Mateo near water any day!!

 

[Tonyscoots84]

Where is aluminum pitting and rotting away in the water column. Eggcrate has been proven to block out alot of light. The correct way is to use either acrylic or aluminum (which does not PIT) with clear mesh. But if it works for you good luck.... Had the same aluminum frame for over 2 years nothing is wrong with it at all

 

[j0hnnyb0y13ave]

Lol no need to get uptight superman!! Lol just my experience with boats and jet skis and motor cycles with a ton of aluminum parts.. Not looking to argue just giving my opinion..

 

[kelogz08]

just got a black eggcrate from BRS today. so far i have no complaints

 

[Tonyscoots84]

Not arguing or being uptight (this is a hobby) buddy . just posting what really happens with eggcrate. Par values and light distribution will be less with egg crate. The mesh allows more light to penetrate into the tank

 

[j0hnnyb0y13ave]

Kelogz08 I'm sure you'll be happy with the egg crates.. Would be cool if someone that has a par meter and would check to see how much light either one blocks!! Plus in my set up my auto feeder sits onto of the egg crate where a screen would sag over time..

 

[kelogz08]

im not uptight at all. i am new to the hobby that is why i really do appreciate all inputs

 

[Tonyscoots84]

kelogz he was saying i was being uptight...

 

[albano]

As well as blocking light, eggcrate is usually not effective in stopping small fish from jumping. Many fish that 'appear' too big can jump right thru it.

 

[nanoreefer22]

I will test par tmrw with eggcrate and then mesh.

 

[duromega]

I just got a black egg crate..

really bad choice