Plastic vs. Fiberglass Screens

[sandy]

In the "Plenum" system, there is a layer of "plastic mesh" which prevents disturbance of the substrate, and also keeps waste from going down to the layer of filter floss (I can't imagine having to replace the filter floss in this system)... There is a mesh screening used in gardening that keeps weeds from growing up, but does not prevent water or oxygen from entering -- but I'm told this is made of "fiberglass". It is pliable, etc., - just a screen that is not a metal. Does anyone know if this is different than using a "plastic" mesh screen? Would it be a problem in the tank? What is the difference between materials made from fiberglass vs plastic?
Review: (Botom to top) 1" high PVC Tubes, Grid formed of criss-corssed plastic slats, layer of filter floss, lower level of substrate, LAYER OF PLASTIC MESH, Top layer of substrate.

 

[ocellaris_keeper]

Sandy,
that's the stuff their talking about. sometimes when you are looking for parts to do things different people call things different names. Fiberglass is perfect for your project

 

[sandy]

Whew! BTW, I will be using a protein skimmer and external filtration as well. I just don't want to set this darn thing up and then find out it is a horrible method! Thanks.

 

[moby da goby]

The setup I have is similar. I used a lighting eggcrate cut about 1.5" smaller all around, fiberglass mesh (door screen), 3-4mm sand, more mesh, 2-3mm sand, yet another layer of mesh, then finally about 1.5" aragonite sand. The top of my sand is completely clean with lots of room for the sandsifters as well as my starfish. The base is also strong enough to support my live rock although I do not have it built up very high.