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Dart Den

Serving the Dart Frog Community Since 2004...

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ZooMed latches Grrrr!
#1
Well yet another latch went out this week that's 10 bad 2 to go. Plus 2-3 were newer ZooMeds so they have Not fixed the issue.
At least I am prepared, keep a Swiss Army knife in my frogroom to take care of broken latch's so I can get the door open.
Yes I have tried the replacement latches they break as well.
Any ideas on something I can use for a latch other than a piece of blue painters tape to keep the door(s) closed?
-Beth
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#2
Can you post a pic showing how they break? I only have two zoomeds and an exo with no issues yet. Curious to see what the problem looks like. Maybe seeing a picture will spark a few ideas.
Jim from Austin | https://www.oneillscrossing.com/dart-frogs/
fantastica nominant | summersi | reticulata | A barbotini
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#3
I actually LIKE it when they break. I use a small sharp craft saw and saw the plastic that sticks up, completely off -making it flat.

Then, the hole/loop for the optional lock is still there and I use a small dowel with a electrical taped top, as a little stake, to put thru the hole and it all seals nicely.

Even though they break 'less', I'm not a fan of Exoterra's plastic clasp/lock mechanism either.
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#4
joneill809 Wrote:Can you post a pic showing how they break? I only have two zoomeds and an exo with no issues yet. Curious to see what the problem looks like. Maybe seeing a picture will spark a few ideas.
Mornin Jim and Phil.
Jim no pics when the next 2 break (shouldn't be long now) will take a pic. Basically the latch gets stuck and the door is locked in place and will not open.
Phil do you have any pics of your fix? The blue painters tape really looks like crapola.
-Beth
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#5
A golf tee? Not sure if it would be wide enough.
Glenn
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#6
frogfreak Wrote:A golf tee? Not sure if it would be wide enough.

Great idea Glenn!
Have some around the house, will see if they fit.
-Beth
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#7
Wondering if you could retrofit with a magnetic catch. Silicone the magnet on the right side glass and the plate on the front door? May be worth and experiment since they are only a few bucks. Any concerns with a magnet in the viv?
Jim from Austin | https://www.oneillscrossing.com/dart-frogs/
fantastica nominant | summersi | reticulata | A barbotini
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#8
I use the same type of thing that Phil does. I've actually intentionally broke some of them because I prefer just pulling out a pin as opposed to using a latch at all. Sometimes the latches make so much noise that it scares any froglets or the adults.
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#9
Craig...snap and post a pic.

Also....you can get all types of wooden dowel rods and stakes ect, at Michaels, hobby Lobby or any given big craft store. The key is to make sure the rod diameter is a close fit - not much wiggle room, so the doors shut and stay closed nicely.
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"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana".
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#10
I did like the one's I saw at your place, Craig. It make sense not to have a latch.
Glenn
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#11
Hello All
the reason they break is because the original spring that is inside the bottom piece is to strong and it causes the plastic shaft on the latch to break over time, they have redesigned them with thinner springs for replacements. If you call them and let them know what happened they will send you out a replacement latch, but be for warned they are a b@#%^ to replace if you have them set up for frogs. You need to be able to get to the screw on the back side of the latch which is on the inside of the tank. It is a;most worth the frustration to just remove the frogs and lay it on it's face and work from the open top, but like i said the fix is not conducive to a set up frog tank, more for dry land displays, i have replaced 8 0f these on my frog tanks. the easiest way is just a peg through the lock hole, what works best and is not has noticeable is " and you northerners will love this" a cribbage beg!!

Regards Jerry A
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#12
Contact Casper and replace zoomed with ghost vivs! I do not have any but the photos i have seen look amazing and cant wait until my frog room is full of them. Big Grin
~Master Yoda

"When nine hundred years old you reach, look as good, you will not, hmmm?"
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#13
frogs are cool Wrote:Contact Casper and replace zoomed with ghost vivs! I do not have any but the photos i have seen look amazing and cant wait until my frog room is full of them. Big Grin

Would love too but he has a very long waiting list. Smile
-Beth
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#14
BcsTx Wrote:
frogs are cool Wrote:Contact Casper and replace zoomed with ghost vivs! I do not have any but the photos i have seen look amazing and cant wait until my frog room is full of them. Big Grin

Would love too but he has a very long waiting list. Smile


Ahh hell Beth send him some chocolates,men will do most anything for chocolate,devious bribery its called :lol: . Chris beat me too it Beth, I was going to suggest the same thing get Casper on it!!

Guys couldn't you just knock up some sliding door sets? It's very simple and I guess you have a standard set of measurements to work to, which would negate the critical height dimension of the doors? This might be easier than swapping out complete vivs,I'm not sure on any of this as I've always built our vivs and never used Zoomed or Exo,but it seems the easiest solution
best

Stu
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