where to find screen material

[fallenangelfyre]

hey all,
so i scoured the "good places to buy" thread and to no avail. i'm looking for a place to get the screen that comes in commercially available reptile screen tops for standardized tanks.
it's not the fiberglass or steel insect screen that you can get at hd or lowes, but much stronger than that & more rigid. very small hexagonal screen.
like so:


anybody have any ideas?

[backafter20]

What you've pictured is called "expanded metal mesh". I've seen it used as support for stucco and thinset mortar in the concrete supplies or tile areas at Lowes and Home Depot. It is in maybe 3'x5' sheets and appears galvanized. What I've seen is probably coarser and not as transparent as what you've pictured, as it is intended for a different purpose. You can also try the area where they sell sheet metal and extruded metal pieces, or where they have window repair supplies. The mesh is also sometimes used in screen doors. Hope that helps.

[momerath]

I had the same problem last year... could not find that stuff anywhere. I ended up buying one of those mesh tank covers and cutting it up to suit my needs.

Good luck.

[fallenangelfyre]

Originally Posted by momerath

I had the same problem last year... could not find that stuff anywhere. I ended up buying one of those mesh tank covers and cutting it up to suit my needs.

Good luck.

dang. i thought of that, but the opening i need to cover is roughly 20" x 36" and i doubt you can get a screen that big at a store.

[fallenangelfyre]

FOUND IT!
if anyone is ever looking for this stuff, or any type of metal mesh, grating, etc. that is stronger than insect screen, check out this website:
McNichols
they even have locations in most major cities so maybe you can avoid shipping costs.