Glass top and metal screen for Rimless tank

[Spyd]

Sounds like they would maybe groove the top of the glass all around so that the mesh lid could fit in it and be hidden. That would make sense as to the cost. Otherwise, I would just buy a cheap kit from BRS for $50 or whatever it costs... Using the clear mesh doesn't affect your lighting much at all. I have not noticed any changes in my tank since I added a screen. If you are going to be getting anthias and wrasses, etc. then I would definitely recommend a screen.

I highly suggest staying away from glass lids. First off, your lighting will suffer. Secondly, you need oxygen in your tank and without an exposed surface, that can be a real problem. Finally, evaporation is a good thing for your tank. Promoting evaporation allows you to introduce oxygenated, fresh, clean top off water for your tank.

[Basile]

Thanks guys for all your posts, i get most of what you're saying i also know about some of the facts you've put foreward. I'm aware of the oxygen restriction i would impose on the system, the light diffusion by the glass and salt. I've done a plastic mesh for thanks before, no problem.

A few points i'd like to emphasise on;

-Those items would be back up options if my dehumidifier and air exchanger had problems getting rid of excess humidity during the winter only( december to march), night time mostly ; i'm the only guy who had to use an ice scrapper indoors when i had my 65G

- Making a net for me is no problem on a conventional tank, on a rimless if i ever decide to get difficult fishes ; at the factory they have all the tools to make a professional job.

- I'll enquire with the manifacturer what i'll use to make the screen cover, before agreeing, metal like you said might be a bad idea, thanks for that precision... I would also monitor my oxygen level if i ever had to use the glass, which would only be a temporary measure during the - 40oF we get and the humidity couldn't be taken out with exchanger.

My question is essentially, would it be a good ideal to have both items made professionally if i need them in the future, not as a permanent fixture but as an option in a crisis or emergency, i guess thats what i was aiming at. Thank you all for your time.