Hello Reefers.
After searching the net and not getting any good references to building a tank cover to keep those suicide jumpers at bay and safely in the tank, I decided to do a write up explaining the hardware and equipment needed to build yourself a tank cover using locally available supplies.
After my first build I was asked about the process and being the Speedy Gonzales I am, I didn't think about taking pictures for write up purposes. Luckily a friend of mine decided its time to build himself a cover and so I got the opportunity to help him and take pictures as we went along. Thanks @Sandlover for the opportunity to help you and get this thread going.
Right.. Lets get to the build. You will need a frame kit and some mesh. Tools will be a hacksaw, scissors and a sharp knife or Stanley blade. For this build we used the Coolaroo frame kit currently available at builders market, makro and a few other suppliers, or you could contact coolaroo to get additional suppliers.
They come in 2 sizes. I will leave out the prices as it will change obviously.
950mm x 750mm
1540mm x 1250mm
We used the latter for the build, but the kits are identical except for the size. Here is a picture showing the product.
When you open up the box you get the following items inside:
4x Powder coated aluminium frame sections
Beading tool
Bead tube
Bag containing the frame ends and mounts
Screen mesh
The standard mesh screen supplied is a bit too dense for this application so we ordered new mesh from a different supplier. Thanks @Blue Reefer . Here is a picture showing the standard mesh.
The mesh we used has around 8mm squares. You can use any mesh that you can source as long as it's not too thick for the beading to hold it in place. The mesh on the right in the picture is what we used. You can see it's a big difference and should not block any light from your fixture entering the tank.
First step is to measure your tanks outer edges. Once you have the measurements you need to subtract 52mm off each side. This is because the end fitting of the frame is 26mm each, and you use two on each side. The picture below shows one of the frame fittings. Where the measuring tape reads 26mm is the point up to where this fitting fits into the frame.
Once you have subtracted 52mm and have your final measurements, make a mark on the frame where you will be cutting. Use the frame fittings and visually check on the tank before you start cutting. You can cut the frame using a hacksaw or power tool. A Hacksaw is easy so we used one for this purpose.
When you have cut all 4 lengths you can start the frame assembly. Use a rubber hammer when doing this, as simply pushing it in is quite hard to do. Be sure to have the right sides corresponding as the bead channel of the fitting has to be on the same side as the frame channel. Rest the frame on the floor (preferably a carpet to keep from slipping) and gently hit the frame fiting untill the 26mm mark is flush with the tube.
And here we have the assembled frame.
Check on the tank to make sure you have the correct size before you go to the next step.
More to follow. Can only upload 10 pictures.
After searching the net and not getting any good references to building a tank cover to keep those suicide jumpers at bay and safely in the tank, I decided to do a write up explaining the hardware and equipment needed to build yourself a tank cover using locally available supplies.
After my first build I was asked about the process and being the Speedy Gonzales I am, I didn't think about taking pictures for write up purposes. Luckily a friend of mine decided its time to build himself a cover and so I got the opportunity to help him and take pictures as we went along. Thanks @Sandlover for the opportunity to help you and get this thread going.
Right.. Lets get to the build. You will need a frame kit and some mesh. Tools will be a hacksaw, scissors and a sharp knife or Stanley blade. For this build we used the Coolaroo frame kit currently available at builders market, makro and a few other suppliers, or you could contact coolaroo to get additional suppliers.
They come in 2 sizes. I will leave out the prices as it will change obviously.
950mm x 750mm
1540mm x 1250mm
We used the latter for the build, but the kits are identical except for the size. Here is a picture showing the product.
When you open up the box you get the following items inside:
4x Powder coated aluminium frame sections
Beading tool
Bead tube
Bag containing the frame ends and mounts
Screen mesh
The standard mesh screen supplied is a bit too dense for this application so we ordered new mesh from a different supplier. Thanks @Blue Reefer . Here is a picture showing the standard mesh.
The mesh we used has around 8mm squares. You can use any mesh that you can source as long as it's not too thick for the beading to hold it in place. The mesh on the right in the picture is what we used. You can see it's a big difference and should not block any light from your fixture entering the tank.
First step is to measure your tanks outer edges. Once you have the measurements you need to subtract 52mm off each side. This is because the end fitting of the frame is 26mm each, and you use two on each side. The picture below shows one of the frame fittings. Where the measuring tape reads 26mm is the point up to where this fitting fits into the frame.
Once you have subtracted 52mm and have your final measurements, make a mark on the frame where you will be cutting. Use the frame fittings and visually check on the tank before you start cutting. You can cut the frame using a hacksaw or power tool. A Hacksaw is easy so we used one for this purpose.
When you have cut all 4 lengths you can start the frame assembly. Use a rubber hammer when doing this, as simply pushing it in is quite hard to do. Be sure to have the right sides corresponding as the bead channel of the fitting has to be on the same side as the frame channel. Rest the frame on the floor (preferably a carpet to keep from slipping) and gently hit the frame fiting untill the 26mm mark is flush with the tube.
And here we have the assembled frame.
Check on the tank to make sure you have the correct size before you go to the next step.
More to follow. Can only upload 10 pictures.