My weird egg crate top

Ok, no laughing at my new "night lid." I worked hard on this thing! After my coral beauty jumped out one night, I got panicky about a lid of some sort. I went with egg crate, but after looking at the holes, I decided it just wasn't quite enough. So, I reinforced the egg crate with mesh screen (window screen - nylon) and taped it around the egg crate. The screen made it fit even more snug, and I can just slide it on the tank at night when the lights go out. I put the screen under the egg crate and taped it over the top with Gorilla tape. So far, it's held up really well. The screen also kind of softens the egg crate - I don't want my fish getting little fish concussions hitting the egg crate....

My biggest challenge was cutting the egg crate (especially since Jwin was at work when I decided to undertake this little project). I cut the back first and left a few openings for the cords and cut around the overflow box. Then, I cut the sides to length. The bowfront was my biggest challenge. When I had the back and sides cut, I laid it over the tank and took a Sharpie and just outlined the bowfront shape. I had to make some odd cuts, but it turned out okay. Overlaying the screen kind of took off the sharp edges too. With this thing on, nothing will get out of my tank at night!

I'm still thinking about a daytime cover, but so far, my only jumping episodes have happened at night.

 

You inspire me!! I need to create a cover, too, and I'm using egg crate. Mine is just a rectangle so it should be a bit easier! K+ to you!

 

nice job plus 1 on the fit

 

Laughing? I think it's awesome!

 

That things like Alcatraz! Great job!

 

that looks good. I did that once with my old tank and I was so cut up from the little edges! Had plastic pieces flying everywhere!

 

Looking good... You have lots of patience. I usually place the egg crate on the top of the tank without cutting it to size lol.

 

Nice.

You take this off and put it on everyday?

 

Really nice Rhonda. Very nice indeed. And what makes you think you need Justin around to help you? You did good!!! Justin, tell your Mama she did good......

 

Excellent job! Great idea with the mesh. My blenny met it's death after it jumped right through egg crate, so the extra measure will help for sure.