Mods to 20 gal IM Fusion Mesh Lid to Stop Jumpers?

[oneart]

Has anyone modified the mesh screen that comes with the Innovative Marine 20 Fusion to prevent jumping fish, like fire fish? I have a new set up and am about to buy fish, including a fire fish known to jump, but realized there's a half inch gap along both the side and back of the screen (it would probably be a 1/4 inch all around if evenly centered)? (I attached a picture of the gap with the screen pushed to the front to the tank). Or, has anyone had luck keeping jumpers in with the lid fitting as is? 

 

Also, if I can resolve this issue, does anyone know how to replace this screen with more transparent mesh? 

[Clown79]

I replaced the mesh because the stock mesh is thick and impedes light.

 

I haven't had a fish get through the small amount between glass and frame. 

 

 

[oneart]

Thanks Clown79! Maybe I'm just being paranoid. I've never had a fire fish before but have heard a lot about them jumping! Does the frame snap apart so that you can snap in the new mesh? 

[Porkpie5000]

I used this mesh

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OABXY9O

 

and this spline

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CSRKM6

 

to replace the mesh in my IM10 top

[Clown79]

No it doesn't. You have to pull out the black tubing that holds the mesh in. Its built like a window screen frame. 

 

To replace the mesh is the same way you do when you build a diy mesh lid.

 

Firefish are jumpers, the only 100% to prevent a fish getting out is either getting a custom acrylic lid that fits tightly or a full hood on the tank.

 

My blenny just jumped through 1/4" mesh. I had to double up the mesh so it can't fit.

[Porkpie5000]

5 minutes ago, oneart said:

Thanks Clown79! Maybe I'm just being paranoid. I've never had a fire fish before but have heard a lot about them jumping! Does the frame snap apart so that you can snap in the new mesh? 

You leave the frame together and pull out all of the old spline that is holding the current mesh in. It is kind of a pain because it comes out in many pieces instead of 1 long piece.

 

Then you use that new spline that I linked to to hold in the new mesh. You can use a spline tool to push the new spline into the groove.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002KDR83C

 

It is really pretty easy once you try it.

[oneart]

Thanks Clown79 and Porkpie5000. That makes sense about replacing the screen. I've wanted to do it but didn't know how so thanks both for the explicit directions. 

 

Now I'm wondering about that fire fish.... I just saw a video on something called "Jumpguard." It seems like a pretty tight fit, which could be an option, but they want a crazy amount of money for it ($65 for the large one) which is too much for me. 

https://reefbuilders.com/2018/03/20/jumpguard-aquarium-screen-top/

Maybe I'll rethink the fire fish, or try to add (glue) a strip of moulding to the back of the screen for a tighter fit. Or, choose another fish.