custom top

[atlweb]

I just built a custom top for my solana. I used aluminum window framer with a mesh top. Is there anything harmful about having aluminum material on top of the tank? I know it doesn't rust. Thanks!

 

[ralph atl]

nope, all is good.

 

[ga_daisy]

I would think that it would really cut down on the light entering the tank.

 

[atlweb]

It is a mesh top, and there is no difference in light to the naked eye. I am sure in some parts it blocks a little, but even in those, it is VERY little.

I am just more concerned about the weathering of the materials in the tank.

 

[legalreefer]

Care to shed any light on how you did it? Im thinking of a custom one on my 52 which is an odd shape, and I would like to know my options.

 

[mvm]

I've had the same top on mine for a few years w/ no problems...

 

[atlweb]

Here is a picture of mine...

The thread that mVm just posted was how I did mine.

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[mvm]

Do you have the spline (rubber that attaches the mesh to aluminum) facing up?

 

[atlweb]

Yep, why is that bad?

 

[atlweb]

I will flip it around, the top just sits better when facing that way, oh well.

 

[dakota9]

The metal doesn't collect heat does it? Ther white egg crate usually does a great job of reflecting radiant heat.

 

[ga_daisy]

ga_daisy;393334 wrote: I would think that it would really cut down on the light entering the tank.

Apparently, I hadn't had enough coffee yesterday when I had first read your posting. I read that you had used screen (like window screen). :doh:

Very cool. I need a top built for mine. I've read the DIY that use metal window frames, spline and bird mesh for ponds. I'm sooo not the do it yourselfer though.

 

[atlweb]

Dakota9;393704 wrote: The metal doesn't collect heat does it? Ther white egg crate usually does a great job of reflecting radiant heat.

No it doesn't get hot at all. The sides are aluminum and not on direct light so they stay cool, and the mesh in the middle is some sort of fiber material that does not get heat and is protected against weathering.

My tank stays at 80 during the day, and about 78 at night when the light is off. Does anyone think that the 80 is too high? I am going to be getting a protein skimmer for it in a bit that might add a little more heat

 

[atlweb]

ga_daisy;393706 wrote: Apparently, I hadn't had enough coffee yesterday when I had first read your posting. I read that you had used screen (like window screen). :doh:

Very cool. I need a top built for mine. I've read the DIY that use metal window frames, spline and bird mesh for ponds. I'm sooo not the do it yourselfer though.

It's cool, I am not a big DIYer either, but luckily I know someone who loves doing handy work and was able to help me out!

 

[atlweb]

dawgdude;393716 wrote: 80 should be just fine. Some people run it as warm as 84. The key is to keep your temp stable as you possibly can. Stable at 84 and stable at 78 can both keep corals alive but a swing from 78-84 could kill them. What skimmer are you going to get? This is a solana right?

Yes sir, I am thinking about ordering a sapphire skimmer. http://www.wix.com/sapphireaquatics/SapphireAquatics">http://www.wix.com/sapphireaquatics/SapphireAquatics</a>

Do you have any other recommendations for the Solana?

 

[cr500_af]

dawgdude;393712 wrote: Those reflect a TON of light as well. I did some par readings on halides with and without and the par dropped significantly when you put the eggcrate on. I dont remember the exact numbers but I wont run it anymore!

I just put a black eggcrate top on Sandie's 30g cube, and the difference in visible light is drastic... even the GSP doesn't like it. I'm going to go another way that won't block as much.

 

[weaglereefer]

I wonder if you could seal the vinly strip with glue or something so it doesn't break down, or at least so it doesn't lose its hold. Black caulk maybe?

 

[atlweb]

Honestly, the rubber works really well. On another reef site a lotttttt of people use these tops. The rubber material is only around two dollars, so worst case scenario, if after a year it is looking bad, take it off and in 2 minutes you can just replace the rubber really easily