Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can anyone tell me the best way to melt ventilation holes in Sterilite containers? I know I can either drill them or melt them, and I might not have access to a drill. What do you use to melt them? Metal rod heated over a hot stove?

Chris

Soldering irons work great...you can buy them from walmart for about 9 bucks....get 'em hot, and go. A word of caution though...globs of the plastic accumilate on the iron, so you'll need to carefully blot the stuff off as you go. I just get a handfull of paper towels handy. Of course, be sure to be quick so you dont scortch your towels. Finally, do this outside or somewhere you have great ventilation....that stuff couldn't be good to breathe....

Yeah ,soldering irons work the best.
I finally gave up on heating up old screwdrivers once i tried the iron.

For ventilation....use the hood fan over your kitchen stove. (As long as it has an external exhaust,some do not).
Makes it easier...
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I would just use a hot metal rod like you were saying. if I didnt have a metal rod handy, I would use an old screwdriver.

one more thing... make sure you take the snake out of the box before you melt it
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Something that worked REALLLY good in getting almost perfect holes at a good size was a big scissor. I just pocked one end in and rotated, got perfect circles, and it wasn't ashard to poke as i thought.

I need help with the opposite. I have holes in the back of the tubs that I want to cover to help with humidity. But I am afraid to put any tape, inside or out. Any other ideas. Thanks in advance..

You could fill them with aquarium type silicone.
It would take a while to fully cure though.At least 24 hours,maybe more depending on how thick it is applied.
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3.12 Ball Pythons
0.1 Viper Boa
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Signature file edited for advertising [phw 9/26/04]

Thanks ColdThumb. I will give the silicon a try.