11-11-2011, 10:31 PM
Hello Froggers
Wanted to post a solution (one of many) on how to mod the Exo Terra/ZooMed style screen lid. I purchased a piece of Lexan for $20 at Lowes. The size of Lexan you need will vary depending on the viv size - of course. I start by taking a nail or pick and pry out the rubber grommet that holds in the screen. I used pliers to pull it out once it was started. It takes some elbow grease, but it will give. Once you have this stripped. Then use needle nose pliers to break loose the aluminum screening. The screen might have some glue spots, but for the most part will pop out if your persistent. I then used a marker to indicate my cutting lines. Note: the Lexan will be mounted from the underside of the lid. You will cut 2x pieces for the 18x18. If you have the smaller 12x12 just cut out the center brace so you will have close to square cut piece of Lexan. Cutting the Lexan can be done w a Dremmel. Have someone help you hold the Lexan while you cut. It just needs a deep score and you can snap the break nice and clean. The score tool at Lowes is junk and does not work. Lexan is very difficult to cut wout the Dremmel. After the pieces are cut, make sure they fit, but not too snug, as you want the silicon to act as the bond btw the Lexan and plastic inset edge. If you over use the silicon (like me), it will puddle up and not look as pretty. When you glue it, make sure you have a flat surface to lay the lid and set some med weight objects to ensure a good even seal on the lexan. Let it sit overnight and cure for 24 hours. I would wait an additional 3-5 days for it to cure before using it on viv w frogs. You can drill some small holes for vents (make sure a FF can't crawl through it) or just leave it as is.
I included a pic of the finished product. I plan to do this again and will take more step by step pics for future reference.
Wanted to post a solution (one of many) on how to mod the Exo Terra/ZooMed style screen lid. I purchased a piece of Lexan for $20 at Lowes. The size of Lexan you need will vary depending on the viv size - of course. I start by taking a nail or pick and pry out the rubber grommet that holds in the screen. I used pliers to pull it out once it was started. It takes some elbow grease, but it will give. Once you have this stripped. Then use needle nose pliers to break loose the aluminum screening. The screen might have some glue spots, but for the most part will pop out if your persistent. I then used a marker to indicate my cutting lines. Note: the Lexan will be mounted from the underside of the lid. You will cut 2x pieces for the 18x18. If you have the smaller 12x12 just cut out the center brace so you will have close to square cut piece of Lexan. Cutting the Lexan can be done w a Dremmel. Have someone help you hold the Lexan while you cut. It just needs a deep score and you can snap the break nice and clean. The score tool at Lowes is junk and does not work. Lexan is very difficult to cut wout the Dremmel. After the pieces are cut, make sure they fit, but not too snug, as you want the silicon to act as the bond btw the Lexan and plastic inset edge. If you over use the silicon (like me), it will puddle up and not look as pretty. When you glue it, make sure you have a flat surface to lay the lid and set some med weight objects to ensure a good even seal on the lexan. Let it sit overnight and cure for 24 hours. I would wait an additional 3-5 days for it to cure before using it on viv w frogs. You can drill some small holes for vents (make sure a FF can't crawl through it) or just leave it as is.
I included a pic of the finished product. I plan to do this again and will take more step by step pics for future reference.
Scott - North Dallas
