Vote for BP.Net for the 2013 Forum of the Year! Click here for more info.

» Site Navigation

» Home
 > FAQ

» Online Users: 835

0 members and 835 guests
No Members online
Most users ever online was 47,180, 07-16-2025 at 05:30 PM.

» Today's Birthdays

None

» Stats

Members: 75,905
Threads: 249,103
Posts: 2,572,095
Top Poster: JLC (31,651)
Welcome to our newest member, Pattyhud
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 16
  1. #1
    Registered User Flicker's Avatar
    Join Date
    03-01-2009
    Location
    Conifer, Colorado
    Posts
    185
    Thanks
    47
    Thanked 15 Times in 13 Posts

    Plexi-glass lid?

    I just got a free lidless 30gal. I was wondering--can i make a Plexi-glass lid? Thats what my dad wants me to do. >_> The cage top has an indentation that I could fit the glass into and then add hinges and a fastener...

    Would this work? What suggestions would you have? I want to have this tank ready fairly cheaply and ASAP.

    any other ideas?

  2. #2
    Registered User MikeG's Avatar
    Join Date
    02-16-2009
    Location
    Shelbyville, IL
    Posts
    118
    Thanks
    15
    Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts

    Re: Plexi-glass lid?

    Quote Originally Posted by Flicker View Post
    I just got a free lidless 30gal. I was wondering--can i make a Plexi-glass lid? Thats what my dad wants me to do. >_> The cage top has an indentation that I could fit the glass into and then add hinges and a fastener...

    Would this work? What suggestions would you have? I want to have this tank ready fairly cheaply and ASAP.

    any other ideas?

    yup

    You can get a custom sized one made from an online site (just google) or i believe that Home Depot carries sheets of plexiglass. Not sure if they will cut it though.

    Peace,
    Mike~
    1.0 Yellow belly ball python
    Trying to learn as much as I can.

  3. The Following User Says Thank You to MikeG For This Useful Post:

    Flicker (03-18-2009)

  4. #3
    BPnet Lifer wolfy-hound's Avatar
    Join Date
    10-10-2005
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    5,505
    Thanks
    2,128
    Thanked 2,221 Times in 1,151 Posts
    Images: 23

    Re: Plexi-glass lid?

    With thick plexi yes.. make sure that you have at least 3 hinges, and that they are secured so that the snake cannot wedge itself out in any spot.
    How will you heat the tank? With a UTH? Will you need vent holes drilled into it? Or a series of inch wide holes with screen over them? If you're going to try a lamp on top, be aware that the plexi can warp, and the heat might not transfer properly. If you're just going to maybe have some light on top.. just to light it, then go with a SMALL fluescent light, so it doesn't heat/warp the top, but lights it well.
    Make sure that when you fasten the top into place that it doesn't bind when opened and shut, and that you put latched which will not pop open with wriggling or shaking, and that fasten it securely, even the corners. (in other words.. if it latches in the center of the side.. the corners may be able to be pried up, check to be sure)

    I hope this helps!
    Theresa Baker
    No Legs and More
    Florida, USA
    "Stop being a wimpy monkey,; bare some teeth, steal some food and fling poo with the alphas. "

  5. The Following User Says Thank You to wolfy-hound For This Useful Post:

    Flicker (03-18-2009)

  6. #4
    BPnet Veteran Corvid's Avatar
    Join Date
    12-20-2008
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    322
    Thanks
    152
    Thanked 45 Times in 43 Posts
    Images: 19

    Re: Plexi-glass lid?

    I use plexi-glass for my tanks.
    I Turn the tank on its side, and put rubber feet on the corners. Then I have the plexi-glass cut in 2 pieces, with some overlap. I use a lock to hold them in place. If you see I use a wood board (painted black) for the center and 4 pieces on the side. With a larger tank (mine are only 10's) I would cover the entire corner so they can't push out.
    You're in Colorado too, so I've found this keeps my humidity managable (I've only had complete sheds in these cages). The pieces slide back and forth to open.
    I bought my plexi-glass from Ace Hardware and they were happy to cut it for me.
    I run heat tape on the Bottoms of the cages and Paint their names on the wood (Just got the pinstripe last night, still looking for a name!)

    If you have ANY questions let me know!

    "I don't want to make money, I just want to be wonderful." ~Marilyn Monroe

  7. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Corvid For This Useful Post:

    Flicker (03-18-2009),wolfy-hound (03-18-2009)

  8. #5
    Registered User Flicker's Avatar
    Join Date
    03-01-2009
    Location
    Conifer, Colorado
    Posts
    185
    Thanks
    47
    Thanked 15 Times in 13 Posts

    Re: Plexi-glass lid?

    I have an UTH, But I usually have a light too. How should I cut the ventilation in the glass? I have some screen I could cover holes with... I'm not sure though. Would 1 inch circles be a better idea?

  9. #6
    BPnet Veteran Corvid's Avatar
    Join Date
    12-20-2008
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    322
    Thanks
    152
    Thanked 45 Times in 43 Posts
    Images: 19

    Re: Plexi-glass lid?

    Oh, and by tipping the tank on the side, your snakes gets more floor space to roam around!
    "I don't want to make money, I just want to be wonderful." ~Marilyn Monroe

  10. #7
    BPnet Veteran Corvid's Avatar
    Join Date
    12-20-2008
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    322
    Thanks
    152
    Thanked 45 Times in 43 Posts
    Images: 19

    Re: Plexi-glass lid?

    We used a smaller drill bit for the holes. You want to make sure you use a lot of oil (something like WD-40) for lube so you don't crack it, LIGHT pressure...
    "I don't want to make money, I just want to be wonderful." ~Marilyn Monroe

  11. #8
    Registered User MikeG's Avatar
    Join Date
    02-16-2009
    Location
    Shelbyville, IL
    Posts
    118
    Thanks
    15
    Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts

    Re: Plexi-glass lid?

    Quote Originally Posted by Flicker View Post
    I have an UTH, But I usually have a light too. How should I cut the ventilation in the glass? I have some screen I could cover holes with... I'm not sure though. Would 1 inch circles be a better idea?
    you could do holes, 1" seems a little big though. Or you could make the plexiglass about 1/2" or so short then on one side have it open for air but put screen over it so your snake cant get out.

    Mike~
    1.0 Yellow belly ball python
    Trying to learn as much as I can.

  12. #9
    Registered User Flicker's Avatar
    Join Date
    03-01-2009
    Location
    Conifer, Colorado
    Posts
    185
    Thanks
    47
    Thanked 15 Times in 13 Posts

    Re: Plexi-glass lid?

    Quote Originally Posted by Corvid View Post
    I use plexi-glass for my tanks.
    I Turn the tank on its side, and put rubber feet on the corners. Then I have the plexi-glass cut in 2 pieces, with some overlap. I use a lock to hold them in place. If you see I use a wood board (painted black) for the center and 4 pieces on the side. With a larger tank (mine are only 10's) I would cover the entire corner so they can't push out.
    You're in Colorado too, so I've found this keeps my humidity managable (I've only had complete sheds in these cages). The pieces slide back and forth to open.
    I bought my plexi-glass from Ace Hardware and they were happy to cut it for me.
    I run heat tape on the Bottoms of the cages and Paint their names on the wood (Just got the pinstripe last night, still looking for a name!)

    If you have ANY questions let me know!


    Keeping humidity is CO is a pain. I completely understand.

    Thats a GREAT idea. The cage I have is more tall than wide, so that's perfect.

    Anyway, Question: Where can I get heat tape and how do you apply it? I usually use exoterra heat pads, but I've heard a lot about heat tape. I love the lights in the back!

  13. #10
    BPnet Veteran Corvid's Avatar
    Join Date
    12-20-2008
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    322
    Thanks
    152
    Thanked 45 Times in 43 Posts
    Images: 19

    Re: Plexi-glass lid?

    I bought my heat tape from Boas and Balls ( Boasandballs.com ) and use the thermostat she sells, which works great.
    If you have more than 1 tank that needs heating it works well, if you only have 1 I might use the UTH WITH the thermostat...
    For the most part the tape is just set in between cages and up the side to the next. I do have the foil tape if I need to secure it.
    Thanks for noticing my lights! It doesn't look great close up, but when you stand back and see the whole set up it looks Great!
    "I don't want to make money, I just want to be wonderful." ~Marilyn Monroe

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v4.2.1