Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok I am wondering what type of screen you guys use to keep the flies in the tanks? I have heard a lot about no-see-um, but have yet to muy any. Anyone else use this? I might have to order some.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

For my vivarium ventilation holes I used the screen from one of those fish fry nurseries. The nurseries are made from a really fine mesh. I think it was around $7 or $8. My vent holes are about 3/4 of an inch diameter so I just cut individual squares and glued them over the holes with silicone glue. If you need long strips of screen, the "nursery" may be too small. Also, I saw the other day in Walmarts food canning supplies department, some jelly/jam strainer bags. These looked to be a little stronger than the nursery mesh. I would have used them instead had I known of them at the time but I bought some anyway to cover air holes on my FF cultures.

Gus

I use normal old paper towels on my cultures, and it works great. Folded in half that is.

As for the netting. I currently have very fine plastic mesh from walmart over my vent holes, but I am about to cover them with something else. I have read that no-see-um is the stuf used for tent windows and works very well. If you do a search on yahoo you can find a couple places selling it. All I know is I need to reduce the number of getting out. Hydie have reduced that a bit sine I am now feeding about 1/2 and 1/2.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

I discovered that weed block material that you lay on the ground over the soil has holes that allow water and air past but the holes are funnel shaped so that on the small end side your ff can not get out. I discovered this when I found all my cultures lids covered with paper towels ripped open by the ff(no kidding-the towels had gotten a bit moist and ff ganged up on one spot and tore it open!)and they were making their pupaes all over the tops of each culture(it was a huge mess). I quickly had to find something around to remedy the situation. What I wonder is weather anyting bad could happen with the material. Its just plastic, but I'm paranoid! Any thoughts?

I use coffee filters and I've never had any escapes, it's easy to find and very cheap
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Randy
Lawrence, Kansas
1.1 Azureus
1.1 Cobalt
1.1 Fantasticus
1.1 Bastimentos Pumilio

When it gets wet does it rip?

I don't see why it wouldn't work. I have a lot of it and use it for separating the drainage sump of charcoal and gravel from the soil area a I don't build a false bottom. There is certainly nothing hazardous about it and it's tough. I should think the holes would be too small for anything to sneak out--or in. My problem with the paper towels has been wild fruit flies getting in and breeding with the flightless ones. The offspring will be able to fly, so first thing you know, they are all flying out in your face instead of cooperating.
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Patty
Lost River, Idaho

I'm trying weed block on a new culture I started today.
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Patty
Lost River, Idaho

I ordered som en-see-um mesh to try on my lids to help keep them in. I have not had problems with using folded paper towels on my cultures.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

I've had not problem using a folded paper towel on my cutures.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

I just experienced an immediate problem with the weed block after trying it out today on a new culture. I use deli cups with plastic lids with a hole cut in the center of the lid. The stuff is somewhat stiff and slick, and the lid popped off after a short time. I was able to fit the lid back on more securely, but it doesn't mold itself to the rim like paper towels do. I suppose one could use a rubber band to fit instead of the lid.
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Patty
Lost River, Idaho

really? Mine must be a different brand then yours. Mine molded just fine, and no poppers yet, in fact i have a bit more effort going into shutting it down-doesn't seem slick, but a little thicker, just a little then the paper towels. Paper towels work for everyone, but me of course!

You aren't alone. I've had them pupate on the outside of paper towels several times-- even with a top grade of toweling. The second attempt at keeping the lid on over the weed block was successful--just needed more care in fitting it down.
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Patty
Lost River, Idaho