Well I have myself a tank cover now. I did find some metal mesh with 1/2" by 1/2" squares. I think it was called garden mesh. I made a wooden frame and then attached it. Turned out pretty good and worked fine but I found it was too bulky. Then I found some reflective eggcrate at HD. I bought a sheet (kind pricey) and trimmed it down into to separate covers (one for left and one for right, they sit on the center brace and tank trim). If there is any light being blocked it's not much. Here is a pic of one after it was trimmed to the right size,

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q...2/IMG_1515.jpg

Reflective meaning the eggcrate is nice and metallic and shiny? If so, I seen that stuff too but wasn't sure about it. Does this reflective eggcrate block less light than the normal stuff??

Or am I just totally out to lunch here and thinking of something else I seen at HD?

Yeah that's the stuff. IMO it blocks way less light than regular eggcrate. Or rather reflects the light into the tank. I can see no visual difference with this eggcrate on or off. The tank looks the same either way to me.

Do a Google search and you will find pond netting for a reasonable price and quantity.

It's black 1/4 inch weave and UV stabilized.

Cheers,
Vic