Exo Terra Screen Lid Rust

hey everyone,

i've had a 40 gall wide exo terra for around 3 months now, and just recently noticed some little areas of rust above the half of the stainless steel mesh screen i've covered with saran wrap to keep in the humidity. removing the saran wrap/humidity cover is not an option, neither is not misting my bp due to the humidity where i live.

does anyone know of any reptile-safe rust cleaning prodcedures or have any (relatively easy- i can't diy much and don't have a ton of tools but CAN get to a hardware store) advice on replacing the mesh with something else such as glass or treating the mesh? i also keep my lights sitting on the mesh so wouldn't be able to remove the screen entirely and use saran all around or top with plastic. i'd also like some information about ventilation if getting a glass lid made somehow is my best bet.

sorry, i know this is a lot, but i couldn't find any info specific to snakes in a google search.

thank you in advance,
aiden

Look on youtube. There are videos of how guys have modified their Exo Terras with sheets of Acrylic with holes drilled in the top for ventilation.

I have a Zoo Med cube i use for my GTP and i have the top covered with tin foil and the screen hasnt rusted at all. It's been just over 4 months and i keep the humidity around 70-75% but i also dont have to ever mist as i use live plants and a big water bowl. I have heard though that the Exo Terra ones use a cheaper screen.

You might want to contact exo-terra and ask for suggestions. This may be a situation in which they would send you a new lid, maybe not, but at least you could recommend cleaning solutions. I know you can use CLR (I think) for rust, but I'm not sure if it would be safe once rinsed off.

I like atgecko's idea of contacting the company. Be polite but affirmative. They may send you a new one.

Aside from that, I recommend making a trip to the hardware store. I use 1/2" foam board insulation to wrap the sides, back and top of my glass enclosures. It helps IMMENSELY with both heat and humidity. It keeps heat in, which means your heat sources don't have to work so hard. Less artificial heat = less humidity being sucked out. It's also foil on the exterior, so humidity is retained that way too. It also helps your electric bill a bit. Just cut the pieces to fit and tape them together once wrapped around the outside of the enclosure. With the top, just cut a hole a little bigger than your lamp. Voila, done.

As for the screen, if you want to repair it, while at the hardware store grab sandpaper and a can of rustoleum spray paint. Sand the rust off and re-paint the lid. Apply a few coats. Just allow plenty of time for the paint to dry, cure and ventilated before putting it back on your enclosure. If it still smells like paint, leave it outside to air out longer.

I agree, calling them would be good.

You might be better off replacing the screen cover. This site has one for your enclosure for $47.99: http://www.snakemuseum.com/267-terra...lacement-parts