Net Cover Crisis

[MagicGirl33]

Someone please help me! I have a 79" by 25" 240 gallon fish tank without a net cover. I have lights with mounting arms so I cant get a canopy or anything nor can I seem to find a large enough net. I was recommended red sea but they don't have any nets large enough to fit my tank. Any suggestions on what to do?

 

[DAnCSF]

Simple answer...kinda...take pictures, get the inside measurements...go to a local TapPlastics store or web site. and get some acrylic for tank cover. While you can use the web site to get custom covers made. I found it cheaper to walk in to the store and ask for advice. The stores are great cuz that have a scrapes bin and you can probably find a pieces that can work for you. You just get a scrape piece and have them cut to size. Note: look for acrylic that is more than 1/4" thick. I used 1/4 but found that they will bow due to temp differences. Another option is to DIY a net cover and frame, try your local hardware store and use some kind of chicken wire/screening or weed block and hobble a frame for it. I hope this helps.

 

[FishGuest5123]

Have you tried a pond net? I keep one on my garden pond.

 

[MagicGirl33]

Simple answer...kinda...take pictures, get the inside measurements...go to a local TapPlastics store or web site. and get some acrylic for tank cover. While you can use the web site to get custom covers made. I found it cheaper to walk in to the store and ask for advice. The stores are great cuz that have a scrapes bin and you can probably find a pieces that can work for you. You just get a scrape piece and have them cut to size. Note: look for acrylic that is more than 1/4" thick. I used 1/4 but found that they will bow due to temp differences. Another option is to DIY a net cover and frame, try your local hardware store and use some kind of chicken wire/screening or weed block and hobble a frame for it. I hope this helps.

Thanks! This is a great site. I'm going to get some acrylic for my cover now and then soon I can start adding fish!

 

[Colin_T]

Why do you want a net cover on your fish tank?

Most people have coverglass made from sheets of glass or Perspex to stop fish jumping out and to prevent evaporation. Coverglass also stop dust getting in the water and prevents water splashing onto lights.

If your tank is 18 inches wide, get some coverglass made that are 18 inches x 12 inches wide x 4-6mm thick. Thicker glass is more expensive but less likely to chip compared to thinner glass.

Have 4 individual sheets of glass for the coverglass. You can cut corners out for airline or filter pipes. You can cut a larger triangle section off the front corner of one piece and put a couple of supports and a small handle on it so you can lift it up to feed the fish.

If you have concerns about glass, use Perspex, which is a clear plastic sheet. Get Perspex that is 4-6mm thick and glue some ribs to it so it doesn't sag in the middle.

 

[DAnCSF]

Why do you want a net cover on your fish tank?

Most people have coverglass made from sheets of glass or Perspex to stop fish jumping out and to prevent evaporation. Coverglass also stop dust getting in the water and prevents water splashing onto lights.

If your tank is 18 inches wide, get some coverglass made that are 18 inches x 12 inches wide x 4-6mm thick. Thicker glass is more expensive but less likely to chip compared to thinner glass.

Have 4 individual sheets of glass for the coverglass. You can cut corners out for airline or filter pipes. You can cut a larger triangle section off the front corner of one piece and put a couple of supports and a small handle on it so you can lift it up to feed the fish.

If you have concerns about glass, use Perspex, which is a clear plastic sheet. Get Perspex that is 4-6mm thick and glue some ribs to it so it doesn't sag in the middle.

Support pieces to prevent sagging/bowing and cheaper and lighter too, what a genius yet simple idea....! thanks Colin!