[bsantucci]

Hey all,

For anyone who has made their own screen lid using screen kits from home depot, etc, what did you do to make openings for the filter intake and output and any other pieces of equipment you may have on the edge?

I'm going to make one this weekend, but started thinking about it and I am trying to get ideas. I mean I know I an make it so it's a bit short on the sides, however that kind of defeats the purpose of keeping the fish in since they generally climb the sides before jumping.

 

[Bushkill]

These screens work best for tanks with internal overflows like some of the SW tanks that are drilled. Is this canister filter intakes and returns you're working with as opposed to an HOB?

 

[bsantucci]

Yep, I have a canister and I use GLA lily and return pipes. I think I'm going to have to get creative here or leave the edge just a tad short.

 

[Bushkill]

I made one for a SW tank years ago and cut a "U" into the back edge of one. The real issue was how to support it. If the screen is of any size, it becomes a weak point and sags. An option may be to cut it short as you're thinking and possibly crazy gluing strips of acrylic to the back edge that will take it to the tank rim, leaving openings where you need them?

 

[Dolfan]

I adapted a screen lid from my turtle tank a few years back. They make pretty cheap screen lids that are sold in most pet stores like Petsmart and Petco. They are in the reptile section. They have a variety of sizes and are pretty sturdy so you don't have to worry about the sag as much in the middle.