Screen Tops/Lids

[jitami]

I'm wondering how many of you convert aquariums to terrariums and what type of screen lids you use. Is one type more secure than another? They're not too expensive, but could you make your own? Do you use the standard metal clips and are these sufficient?

Sly's tank was made for reptiles and the lid slides into place & locks with a little pin, but there have been so many inexpensive aquariums in the classifieds lately. The guy is being a little flaky, but I should have 55 & 29 gallon aquariums to pick up tonight I'm in no hurry, so if the guy flakes it's not the end of the world, but if he comes through I'm getting both for $30

[crzy_kevo]

sweet deal currently i am using basic window screen cut to size and duct taped in place until i can build a wooden frame to attach the screen to and for easy access i have a hole cut in the center of the screen away from any climable objext and with duct tape around the seems of the hole so it is a nice sealable flap

[Lori P]

WOW, GOOD deal!!!!!! All of my snake tanks are converted aquariums at this point. So far, I've not had trouble with the screen tops from the pet stores-- except for when Squiggles escaped-- and now they are all weighted down with bricks, rocks or books! Or all of the above, lol!! I've not bought the clips for these tops but am considering it.

I know others on here have made their own tops and they've turned out really well. Hope you get those tanks, great price!!

[count dewclaw]

I use converted aquariums. I have found the clips are NOT strong enough to keep a snake in (they work for non-escape-artists), so would recommend just weighting down the screen tops as Lori does.

I have gotten my tanks either from freecycle.com (local area) or Craigslist (also local area). Freecycle you have to "wade" through alot of posts, but you do find some tanks now and then...

Oh, I found a 10 gal. with screen top at Salvation Army for $3.50!

[Stefan-A]

It's not so hard to make one yourself. I've made a few of screen tops for ex-aquariums, glass terrariums and wooden terrariums. The wooden ones have been held in place by friction and the weight of the lamp, but I've used duct tape as well as the weight of the lamp on some of the other lids. It worked well as long as you remembered to change the duct tape often enough.

I have been keeping an eye open for old aquariums at flea markets, but no hits so far.

[brigitte]

i use the screen tops from the pet stores and the clips you can buy for them also and havent had a snake escape yet[knock on wood]. on some of the larger tanks i use 4 clips instead of 2.

[jitami]

Thanks guys!

Keep your fingers crossed. He said they're mine, but I could tell there was a bit of hesitation. We'll see tonight I guess. I really only wanted the 55 and he threw in the 29(btw, is there even such a size?) for $5

[count dewclaw]

I really only wanted the 55 and he threw in the 29(btw, is there even such a size?)

Yes, that is a tank size. I forget the dimensions at the moment....

[jitami]

Thanks LeAnn, I didn't find it on any of the standard size sheets, but I figure it has to be decent sized.

So any of the pet store screens weighted down should work? Cool

I've looked at a couple of DIY sited to build your own tops. Looks pretty easy but unless you were building several at a time it's probably just as inexpensive to buy one at the pet store.

[crzy_kevo]

it would cost me like $30 to buy one at my pet store when i can just pay $12 for screen and scrap wood for free