I used glass tanks for years and always built my own tops because they were cheaper and more secure. I used 1"x2" trim wood to build the frame, the two inch side make the sides of the frame and the 1" side make the top. I used 1/4" hardware screen/cloth to be the top screen. (the hardware cloth is better then the screen because it is not as abrasive and prevents nose rubs). I used a peice of the one by two wood ontop of the hardware cloth as a center support brace.

To secure the top to the tank I would use a small peice of 1" x1" trim wood (cut about 2" long) to glue onto the side of the glass tank (silacone sealant works great for this) and by using eye hooks and eyes I would have a secure looking top for a few bucks and never had to worry about an escape.

Oh I would also use a coat of sealer on the wood to help protect it, applied before I put on the hardware cloth. I used this set up for more then a decade on ove 50 tanks, up until I mve over to the commercial plastic cages I use now.

I hope this helps
-----
Jim Hopkins "Hoppy"

Hopkins Holesale Herps

Hopfam1@aol.com

[ Hide Replies ]

• any ideas...? - hao, Mon Dec 27 12:22:16 2004
• RE: any ideas...? - SerpentSyco, Mon Dec 27 14:04:03 2004
• RE: any ideas...? - LdyPayne, Mon Dec 27 14:06:13 2004
• I used glass tanks for years more.......... - Hoppy, Fri Dec 31 07:29:05 2004