securing top of 40gal glass tank

If anyone has any suggestions on how to secure the top on my 40 gal glass tank, please let me know. I built a heavy wooden frame and attached aluminum screen to it with nails and heavy duty staple gun. At the moment i am using weight plates from my workout room, but am thinking that maybe there is a better idea. Any input would be greatly appreciated! :)

Depending on how you built it, you can sometimes insert those winged screw bolts so that the end pokes out "into" the glass and catches under the lip of the tank. If you take a pic, I can probably figure out a way if that's not clear/doesn't apply.

You can also check at your local pet shop or online reptile supply sites and see if they have any cage clips that would work, or you can try using luggage straps from Wal-mart or Target in the luggage section. They extend out to almost 6 feet long, or you could try some bungee cords. I use luggage straps on my tubs because I think they have a cleaner look...

After reading your post again I realized you aren't using a regular screen top. I would need to see a photo as well to come up with some ideas...

I just use bricks or weights

Hi,

I'm not sure screen is your best option - it might cause you humidity problems in the long run.

But, to answer your question, You could try using luggage straps perhaps?


dr del

I have a Hogg Island boa in my 40 gallon breeder and I have 6 cage clips/clamps holding it down can never be too safe also a certain someone I live with is afraid its going to get out and eat her cat so the clips/clamps work fine

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Originally Posted by PolishPython

I have a Hogg Island boa in my 40 gallon breeder and I have 6 cage clips/clamps holding it down can never be too safe also a certain someone I live with is afraid its going to get out and eat her cat so the clips/clamps work fine

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She has a DIY top that they built. I don't know if the cage clips are going to work or not...

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Originally Posted by Vypyrz

She has a DIY top that they built. I don't know if the cage clips are going to work or not...

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ure right my friend! i decided on bungee cords. what do u think?

I have read somewhere around here about someone whose boa (or something or other) that managed to press the lid and weights on top of it just high enough and for just long enough to get it's head out. Just it's head.

I'd say find something that doesn't give at all. Idk if that includes luggage straps, but I vote against bungee cords.

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Originally Posted by musclebabe

ure right my friend! i decided on bungee cords. what do u think?

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If it works...run with it... I'm glad it worked.

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Originally Posted by stevepoppers

I have read somewhere around here about someone whose boa (or something or other) that managed to press the lid and weights on top of it just high enough and for just long enough to get it's head out. Just it's head.

I'd say find something that doesn't give at all. Idk if that includes luggage straps, but I vote against bungee cords.

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thats sad....... but what is YOUR suggestion?

Hi,

Could you silicon on clasps to the glass sides of the tank that could then be used to hold the lid on tight?


dr del

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Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,

Could you silicon on clasps to the glass sides of the tank that could then be used to hold the lid on tight?


dr del

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ill chexk that out Derek, thanks for the input my friend!

The luggage straps mentioned usually don't have any give either. But again, with pictures, one of us might be able to tell you how to secure it in a easier to handle fashion than wrapping straps. Sometimes wrapping straps or cords around the whole tank in a pain(been there, I used line and had a system for tighting it properly while it being easy to undo).

Just weights or bungee cords CAN be pushed up enough for a snake to pop her head through, and she could either escape or get stuck and injured. Solid straps that don't stretch would probably be safer. Pythons are notorious escape artists and very strong for their size.

You also could put a hook at the bottom edge, that hooks to an eyebolt in the edge of the wooden lid. That way the hook is under the tank, won't pull free of glass/glue, and you can always run it from one end to the other under the tank, securing it with sliding eyelets on the sides so it can't "fall off" when you don't have it fastened. Hmm... not sure that made a lot of sense?