Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i am going with cresteds in the tank we talked about the other day and was wondering what kind of lid should i put on the cage to keep the heat in and humidity up. to get the screen lid out of there.
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Jeff Kearney
Orlando, FL

2.7.0 Bearded Dragons (Too many to name)
1.0.0 Mali Uromastyx (Rex)
2.2.0 Ball Python (Ali, Gator, Para, Medic)
1.1.1 Leopard Gecko (Peanut, Almond, Iggy)
1.1.0 Fat-Tailed Gecko (Freddy, Brownie)
0.0.1 Corn Snake (Not sure yet)
0.0.2 Blue Phase Dumpys Tree Frog (Sticky, Squishy)

>>i am going with cresteds in the tank we talked about the other day and was wondering what kind of lid should i put on the cage to keep the heat in and humidity up. to get the screen lid out of there.

Since its an aquarium you can probably get away with using glass/acrylic/plexy cut to fit and sat in place on the upper lip.

I would cover about 90% of the top leaving about the 1st inch of top open, I would make some sort of adjustable screen section in this 1"-2" section. That way you can adjust airflow temps humidity etc. The front sliding bypass doors will allow airflow in you just need an adjustable outflow to kep everything under wrap.

You may be able to find round airflow adjusters, at some terrarium supply....

If you can you can just cover the top tap a hole and place and use those in place. Depending on the size you may only need 2-4 again depends on the size.

You probably only need like 4 sq" of top vent area.

Of course once you get that portion under wraps you can build almost any extravagant cover you want but the heart of the system will be replaceing screen with something a little more workable.

Good Luck
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Jeremy

"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

0.1 Snow "Khal" RTB
1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow RTB's
1.0 Hypomelenistic RTB's
0.2 Pastel Hypo RTB's
0.1 Suriname RTB
0.1 Anerthrystic RTB
3.1 Red Bearded Dragon's
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse
1.0.1 Child

totally agree with using plexi or my favorite, lexan ( it's pricey but easier to work with you can cut it with tin snips )

Only thing I'd do would be to leave the screen as is, and just put the plexi over it, silicone the sides.. Why? So when the crested's go to the big gecko tank in the sky, you still have the screen in place without having to repair it, in case you wanted to put something else in there...

just a thought...

>>totally agree with using plexi or my favorite, lexan ( it's pricey but easier to work with you can cut it with tin snips )
>>
>>Only thing I'd do would be to leave the screen as is, and just put the plexi over it, silicone the sides.. Why? So when the crested's go to the big gecko tank in the sky, you still have the screen in place without having to repair it, in case you wanted to put something else in there...
>>
>>just a thought...

That's a good point, the cage should be left with the ability to bring it back to a point where it can be setup for a variety of other species.

However, from the looks of the tank in the previous pics. It appears that the screen is mearly a cover for an existing fish tank that has been modified. That being said it shoul and appears to still have the recesses for the origional glass tops. (I'm an old Fish junkie)

Anyways reusing the screen as in Karl sugggestion, has merit.

One by cutting a piece of (whatever you want to use) just smaller than the out side edges you can achieve venting without a lot of work. Leaving the 1/8" gap would be more than enough, and if it proves to much you could always cover the unwanted venting areas with black tape....

Just a though, would make it ready for use really quick wihtout a lot of labor...

We all know how eager we were or are when it comes to new inhabitents.

Cheers
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Jeremy

"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

0.1 Snow "Khal" RTB
1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow RTB's
1.0 Hypomelenistic RTB's
0.2 Pastel Hypo RTB's
0.1 Suriname RTB
0.1 Anerthrystic RTB
3.1 Red Bearded Dragon's
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse
1.0.1 Child

I am kind of in the same situation! I am building a custom wooden cage for a breeding trio. The dimensions are 2' deep 2' wide and 3' tall witha plexi glass door in front and I was thinking about making the top foot of each sidewall be screen along with the lid. does this sound like a good idea? and either line the inside with FRP to keep out moisture or just poly the crapp out of it. give me some thoughts

I've made some nice tops out of wood. I've also made some quick cheap ones out of wood. Keep the screen top intact as someone else mentioned. If it were me I would leave the screen top on, set a light on one side (red bulb) to provide a basking area. They don't like to climb on the screen (or can't) from what i've observed. Then build a wood top that covers the fixture and maybe a misting system or whatever. Provide a little ventilation near the bulb so The area doesn't overheat.

The top doesn't need to be hinged or anything as you will probably be accessing the cage from the front most of the time. Plexi or lexan layed on top of the screen will work too. Heck a towel over the top will even work in the meantime. I think the wood looks the best but I'm a big fan of wood.

Just a side note these geckos can live up to 20 years or more so be prepared for a long term investment.

could you post some pics of the wood lids you have made?
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Jeff Kearney
Orlando, FL

2.7.0 Bearded Dragons (Too many to name)
1.0.0 Mali Uromastyx (Rex)
2.2.0 Ball Python (Ali, Gator, Para, Medic)
1.1.1 Leopard Gecko (Peanut, Almond, Iggy)
1.1.0 Fat-Tailed Gecko (Freddy, Brownie)
0.0.1 Corn Snake (Not sure yet)
0.0.2 Blue Phase Dumpys Tree Frog (Sticky, Squishy)

I've made a few lids that I think would be ideal for your setup, here's a few pics of one.

I made this for a temporary holding tank to get me out of a bind at the time. If you're interested I'll post instructions for ya as soon as I have time. Sorry, I'm in a hurry at the moment.

Later!
HH

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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

yea i really like that, instructions and more pics would be great
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Jeff Kearney
Orlando, FL

2.7.0 Bearded Dragons (Too many to name)
1.0.0 Mali Uromastyx (Rex)
2.2.0 Ball Python (Ali, Gator, Para, Medic)
1.1.1 Leopard Gecko (Peanut, Almond, Iggy)
1.1.0 Fat-Tailed Gecko (Freddy, Brownie)
0.0.1 Corn Snake (Not sure yet)
0.0.2 Blue Phase Dumpys Tree Frog (Sticky, Squishy)

I've started writing out the instructions but I don't have a whole lot of free time at the moment so I have to do it here & there, when I can squeeze it in.

I'll try my best to have it posted within the next day or so.

Have a good one!
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

no prob just take your time.
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Jeff Kearney
Orlando, FL

2.7.0 Bearded Dragons (Too many to name)
1.0.0 Mali Uromastyx (Rex)
2.2.0 Ball Python (Ali, Gator, Para, Medic)
1.1.1 Leopard Gecko (Peanut, Almond, Iggy)
1.1.0 Fat-Tailed Gecko (Freddy, Brownie)
0.0.1 Corn Snake (Not sure yet)
0.0.2 Blue Phase Dumpys Tree Frog (Sticky, Squishy)

Just wanted to let ya'll know that I haven't forgotten ya, I just haven't had time to finish writing out the instructions. I'm a lil' over halfway finished and will try to get a few more pics. Hopefully I'll have it done & posted here by Sunday night.

Later!
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

okay thats cool take your time. i am in the process of making a stand for the tank so its not even ready to be set up.
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Jeff Kearney
Orlando, FL

2.7.0 Bearded Dragons (Too many to name)
1.0.0 Mali Uromastyx (Rex)
2.2.0 Ball Python (Ali, Gator, Para, Medic)
1.1.1 Leopard Gecko (Peanut, Almond, Iggy)
1.1.0 Fat-Tailed Gecko (Freddy, Brownie)
0.0.1 Corn Snake (Not sure yet)
0.0.2 Blue Phase Dumpys Tree Frog (Sticky, Squishy)

Finally got it posted. Sorry it took so long.

forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1501025,1501025

Later!
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

www.natures-signature.com

I'd love to see instructions, too. If possible, could you include how it was secured to the tank? That has always been my stumbling block when it comes to thinking about tops like that. Thanks.

Rob

Yeah, like I told Jeff, I've started writing out the instructions but I don't have a whole lot of free time at the moment so I have to do it here & there, when I can squeeze it in.

I'll try my best to have it posted within the next day or so.

As for securing them, that's one thing I thought about off & on for awhile and then one day it hit me like a ton of bricks, became as clear as day.

Simple, leave the plastic trim on the tank, make the top, drill & tap for a nylon bolt in each end of the wood frame so that the nylon bolt, when tightened, will catch the bottom of the plastic trim.

I bought a few nylon bolts, drill & tap, but have yet to install it since I'm not using it at the moment.

I've got another top I made for a 15 or 20 gallon tank that I used an under tank heating pad for. The top just has holes drilled into each end of the plexiglass with no screened section like the one in the pics of my previous post. I get good airflow and can maintain 85% humidity levels without having to mist every day or every other day.

Catch ya later!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

No worries on the instructions...take your time. Your idea for securing the lid sounds deceptively simple! One thing, though, (and this will thoroughly expose my lack of handiness) what do you mean by "tap"? I understand drill but have not heard the phrase drill and tap before? Thanks again.

Rob

Tap - To form, cut, threads into a material by using a drill bit-shaped tool called a "tap".

Check out this link for a bit of info: www.diynetwork.com/diy/tl_metalworking/article/0,,DIY_14390_2270183,00.html

You can also do a Google search for "drill and tap" AND/OR "tap and die" to get some good info.

Love your honesty! Don't feel bad, none of us were born knowing what a "tap" is.

Later!
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

Finally got it! Sorry it took so long.

forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1501025,1501025

Later!
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

www.natures-signature.com

Unfortunately I don't have any pics. I'm not currently using any glass aquariums so I don't have any laying around. I did just purchase an exo-terra 18x18x24 so I may be building a new one soon. I'll try to post instructions when I build it (after the weather breaks). It can really be as easy or complicated as you want it to be.

As for Rob Lewis' question. A simple way I found that works is keeping the screen on the tank. Then you can use the regular metal screen clips at any pet store to secure the top. The wood part can then just sit on top w/o the need for added security. This works great if you have a way to open the cage from the front. I have also heard of people using velcro or even magnets but never personally tried it.