Screen tops serve one crucial function: keep your fish inside the aquarium. Even fish not known to be jumpers will eventually jump. Maybe not today, maybe not next week, but some day, they'll jump. A screen top is just a smart way to protect the animals you care for.

Unlike glass or acrylic lids, screen tops allow for:

  • Optimal gas exchange
  • Use of a cooling fan during hot summer months
  • Better light penetration (lower impact on PAR)

Gather What You Need to Get Started

Required Supplies

This DIY screen top is made up of four main components:

Window Screen Frame
Window Screen Frame

Aluminum frame that forms the main structure of the DIY screen top.

  • Available in several lengths
  • Cut to size for a custom fit
  • Available at hardware stores or here at BRS
Screen Top Netting
Screen Top Netting

Prevents fish from jumping while allowing gas exchange and better light penetration vs. glass tops

  • Available in 1/8" and 1/4" sizes
  • Clear and black color options
  • Very hard to find locally!
Screen Top Corners
Screen Top Corners

Corner connectors that join the frame pieces together.

  • Holds the screen frame together
  • Standard corners work for classic rimmed black-trim tanks
  • Use Neat Aquatics Rimless Screen Top Corners for rimless tanks
Screen Frame Spline
Spline & Spline Roller

Flexible spline used to lock the mesh into the frame.

  • Pressed into the frame channel
  • Holds the screen top netting in place
  • Spline roller is needed for installation

If you'd rather not run around hunting everything down, we sell DIY Screen Top Kits with 1/4" or 1/8" netting, designed with both rimless and traditional black-trim tanks in mind.

Other Required Tools

  • Tape Measure
  • Miter Box
  • Hacksaw
  • Utility Knife with Sharp Blade

 

A few decisions to make before getting started:

Choosing the Right Mesh Size

We offer screen top mesh in two different sizes: 1/8" and 1/4".

  • 1/8" Mesh: Best for aquariums with small nano fish that might fit through the 1/4" netting.
  • 1/4" Mesh: Ideal for aquariums with fish too large to fit through a 1/4" hole.

Black vs. Clear Mesh

This is mostly a personal preference as both have pros and cons. Clear netting is often the standard, but more recently, black netting has grown in popularity due to the clean look and reduction in reflection from the aquarium lights. We offer clear netting in both 1/8" and 1/4", while black netting is offered in the larger 1/4" size only.

Clear Mesh Screen Top
1/8" Clear Mesh Netting
Despite being mostly clear, this netting is more visible than black as it reflects light more easily.
Black Mesh Screen Top
1/4" Black Mesh Netting
Arguably the cleanest look, but salt creep is more visible, making it a slightly higher-maintenance option.

How to Make a DIY Aquarium Screen Top

Once you have all of the supplies, here is the step-by-step breakdown for building a clean, professional-looking screen top:

Step 1: Measure the Inside Dimensions of the Tank

Take your time with this step and follow the "measure twice, cut once" advice.

  • Measure the inside dimensions of the tank
  • Subtract the size of the screen frame corners (usually 3/4" each)
  • Subtract about 1/8" for clearance so the screen is easy to remove without letting fish jump out
Step 1: Measure the Inside Dimensions of the Tank

Step 2: Cut the Aluminum Frame

  • Using a hacksaw and miter box, cut the screen frame to size
  • Let the saw do the work and avoid pressing down to prevent bending the frame
  • Deburr and sand down any sharp edges when finished to make installing the corners easier later
Step 2: Cut the Aluminum Frame
Tip: Cut one side first, test fit it on the tank, then use it as a template for the other side.

Step 3: Assemble the Frame

Insert the corners into the ends of the frame until you have a complete rectangular frame.

Step 3: Assemble the Frame

Step 4: Check for Fit

Place the assembled frame onto your aquarium to confirm the fit before moving forward. Make sure it sits flat and has a small amount of clearance so it’s easy to remove and put back when the time comes.

Step 5: Lay the Mesh Over the Frame & Cut to Size

Cut a section of mesh that is a few inches larger than the frame on all sides.

Step 5: Lay the Mesh Over the Frame and Cut to Size

Step 6: Install the Spline

Start on the longest side and use the spline roller to work the spline into the channel. Use the grid pattern of the mesh as a guide to keep everything straight.

When installing the opposite side, make sure the mesh is not overly tight or the frame can bow. If it doesn’t look right, remove the spline and try again.

Step 6: Install the Spline
Tip: A second set of hands can make this step much easier!

Step 7: Trim Excess Mesh

Using a utility knife with a sharp blade, carefully trim away the excess mesh. Be careful not to cut into the spline.

Step 7: Trim Excess Mesh

Step 8: Admire Your Work & Place Onto Your Tank

That's it, you're done! Now it's time to put your new screen top on your aquarium and rest easy knowing your fish won't be carpet surfing any time soon.

Step 8: Finished DIY Aquarium Screen Top