Thinking About Removing Screen Cover

[Druzy]

I’m looking for a good/safe way to remove my screen lid with plexiglass.
A few questions:

1.What brand is safe?
2.Where do I buy it?
3.How thick does it have to be?
4.Can I just continue to leave my screen cover, and cut the plexiglass to fit over the screen?

I do have a florescent light in my enclosure to regulate day/night times. My room gets no sunlight at all. Also I do use a red bulb at night.

Thanks

[FatBoy]

1. Not sure there are different brands, I think plexi is plexi.
2. Lowes or Home Depot.
3. Not very. 1/8"or 1/4" either should be fine.
4. That's exactly what I would do. Take your measurements with you and they should cut it for you.

[steveboos]

Exactly what Frankie said. Home Depot will usually do the first few cuts for free, so you should be able to bring in your dimensions and get it cut with no issues.

Most plexi they sell the made by the same company, but that all depends on where you go and where you are located. But yeah i would go ahead and leave the screen on and put the plexi on top of it.

[Druzy]

Thanks for the Information!

[MitsuMike]

If you want it to look nice take out the mesh (pliers and wire cutters). Cut the plexi alittle wider than the opening (to insure covering and for looks). Hot glue to the underside of the lid. You can add a clear caulk on the top to make it look cleaner too.

If humidity is too high (prob will be because of no ventilation) holes will need to be drilled (just like in tubs) to help with this. I have access to a shop and laser cutter so the holes were easy to do. If not this then a nice new 1/4 inch bit on a corded power drill should have enough power to do what you want without cracking the plexi. Slow and steady wins the race.

The florescent light will be fine. I would get a lamp stand or lamp clamp kit to have the red bulb lifted off the plexi. Having the lamp sit on top with no real air ventilation might cause the plexi to melt.

[K2exotics]

the lamp directly on plexi will cause it to melt. I would suggest at least an inch between the plexi and the lamp more if you can.. speaking from experience here lol. Good luck.. if you do have to drill holes make sure you go really slow and back out of the holes just as slow as you went in .

[Sammy412]

Just my opinion, but I would ditch the light, ditch the tank, and get a sterilite tub. That will help your husbandry issues tremendously.

[MitsuMike]

Just my opinion, but I would ditch the light, ditch the tank, and get a sterilite tub. That will help your husbandry issues tremendously.

Essentially adding the plexi lid is making the tank into a "tub". I would do the same but some people want a nice display cage. And with this little mod (and a few others) it will help change the tank from zero to hero.
As long as the husbandry is correct (not sustaining or alright) there is no reason a tank can't be used, it will just take alittle more time, work and money.
Also to help keep temps up without a red bulb buying cork board and covering the 3 side walls and cool side of the tank will help insulate the tanks ambient temps so the heat doesn't dissipate thru the glass so quickly.

[Dragoon]

plexi glass will bow/warp with time and humidity, it is why frog owners don't use it. get a glass aquarium lid for the tank and modify it for ventilation and security (keeping your pet inside). also a sterilite tub would be cheaper and you only need a drill or soldering iron for holes.

[MitsuMike]

plexi glass will bow/warp with time and humidity, it is why frog owners don't use it. get a glass aquarium lid for the tank and modify it for ventilation and security (keeping your pet inside). also a sterilite tub would be cheaper and you only need a drill or soldering iron for holes.

This is true but after a few years in heavy humidity climates it does (frog cages). If I had a tank I think 15 bucks every 2 years wouldn't be bad. The other opinion is glass but it much harder to cut. Lexan or Glass would be a longer lasting option, but plexi should get the job done.