Login

RanaVenenosa · 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.

Venomos · 11-12-2011, 02:44 PM

Looks really nice!

Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk

RanaVenenosa · 11-13-2011, 10:01 AM

As promised, here are some additional instructional images to help illustrate the steps to modify the Exo Terra/ZooMed screen lid.

Please note that you could easily substitute glass in lieu of Lexan.

Venutus1 · 11-14-2011, 03:25 PM

Very nice!
Did the screen come out very easy?
Cheers
Todd

DKOOISTRA · 11-14-2011, 04:49 PM

My friend actually took the exo lids, digitized them, and cnc cut new lids out of lexan, replacing the entire exo lid. They fit perfectly. He also added adjustable vent openings. I have about a dozen of them, but have only used them on one tank thus far.
For some reason the tank I'm using them on seems to be growing in way better than the ones I've used just glass on? Way less door slime too, none actually. The tank seems brighter too. I've wondered if the glass I've been getting from the local hardware store filters the light differently? Pretty ignorant on that stuff....
Derek

***Philsuma*** · 11-14-2011, 04:59 PM

I'm not a fan of "hard modifications" , but if I had to do the screen mod...THIS is the way. Excellent DIY / Mod thread Scotty !

Venomos · 11-14-2011, 05:46 PM

DKOOISTRA Wrote:My friend actually took the exo lids, digitized them, and cnc cut new lids out of lexan, replacing the entire exo lid. They fit perfectly. He also added adjustable vent openings. I have about a dozen of them, but have only used them on one tank thus far.
For some reason the tank I'm using them on seems to be growing in way better than the ones I've used just glass on? Way less door slime too, none actually. The tank seems brighter too. I've wondered if the glass I've been getting from the local hardware store filters the light differently? Pretty ignorant on that stuff....
Derek

Are these available for purchase? Then I don't have to mess with the factory top, and save it.

Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk