Making a Secure Lid for a Boa

[Flint]

Okay, so, I have a few ideas in mind. I don't want to buy one of those screen reptile lids because they are overpriced, I'd have to pay extra shipping due to the size of my tank, they don't sell the size I need in stores and they aren't even secure so I'd have to buy stuff to secure them anyways.

I was either going to do the second option here (http://www.natures-signature.com/diy/) but with two bolts on the two long sides as well or I was going to follow my own design -


Build a rectangular frame around the top frame on the aquarium out of 1x2s.
Build a second rectangular frame just under the top frame on the aquarium and attach it to the first frame. (This would prevent the frame from being lifted off of the aquarium)
Silicone any gaps between the aquarium frame and the wooden frame.
Build a second frame the same dimensions as the first.
Attach 1/4" galvanized metal screen to this frame and cover with tinfoil that has holes for ventilation.
Set the screened frame on top of the attached frame and add hinges on the back.
Add 4 saftey hasps with keyed locks on the front of the frame.
Add a window bolt on each short side of the frame.


I feel my design is much more secure, personally, but what do you guys think? The reason for all of the locks is the fact that my daughter will be here in just a couple of months now and I do not want ANY escapes or when she's old enough, I don't want her trying to hold the snake unsupervised. Not to mention, they will (in my eyes) keep my snake secure. Please point out any potential escape routes in my plan.

[SSSSnakes]

The 1/4" screen could lead to a nasty nose rub. I have also had boas go between the middle brace of a tank and the screen and bend the screen to escape. I use a solid piece of wood and drill holes for ventilation. Then i use ratchet straps at both ends to secure the lid down. You can even buy ratchet straps that you can pad lock shut if you need security.

[Flint]

There isn't a middle brace in the tank, it's an older tank so the glass is just thicker. I'll look into the ratchet straps.

[Jim Smith]

I actually built the first screen top for the aquarium I was keeping my snake in. When I got done, I realized I'd spent as much money on materials as the commercial product would have cost me and while it worked okay, it didn't look as nice nor was it as secure as the commercial product. When I factored in my time, it would have been smarter for me to buy the commercial product from the beginning. Perhaps you could order a top from a local vendor to avoid paying shipping charges or even contact a vendor that will be at a reptile show in your area and have them bring it to the show. Just a couple of thoughts...

[Flint]

This method will only cost $45 as opposed to the $30 for the lid, $20+ to secure it and the shipping on an oversized item. No local places can order for me and our reptile shows aren't close enough to go to.

[kwhitlock]

Zilla makes a locking sliding lid for aquariums and of I'm not mistaken, they also have locks made for them too.

[Flint]

If they make it for a 75 and it's under $50 shipped, I'd purchase it. I haven't been able to find said lid, though.

[Jim Smith]

If you do a search on Amazon.com you should be able to find what you're looking for. They have the Zilla screen lid that is 48" x 18" which should fit a 75 gallon aquarium. The cost is around $17 plus $6 for shipping. You can add in the clips to hold the top in place for another $6 or so.

Amazon.com: Zilla 11435 Fresh Air Screen Cover, 48-Inch by 18-Inch: Everything Else (http://www.amazon.com/Zilla-11435-Screen-48-Inch-18-Inch/dp/B000QFRMRS/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1388418552&sr=8-15&keywords=Zilla+terrarium+cover)

[Flint]

kwhitlock was talking about a sliding, locking lid.

[kwhitlock]

kwhitlock was talking about a sliding, locking lid.

Sorry, I guess the biggest they have is a 40 gallon long or 55 :(

[Terranaut]

This is a huge aquarium laying on it's side with a door I made for it. Cost me about $25 to make. I made a frame for the rim of the aquarium and hinged the door to it.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/photo-1944.jpg

[TheFrogman]

This is what I worry about, I have a Rosy Boa in an enclosure with a sliding screen top, Im so worried about nose rub but Im not sure what else to put there. I like the fact of having a slider with locking tabs so I never have to worry about an escape.

[LiL Zap]

Zilla makes a locking sliding lid for aquariums and of I'm not mistaken, they also have locks made for them too.

Yes they do. I have a Zilla tank and I love the locking sliding lid. Very secure.

[TheFrogman]

Yes they do. I have a Zilla tank and I love the locking sliding lid. Very secure.

Me too, I love that's its secure but don't we need to worry about nose rub? I don't know what else to do.

[LiL Zap]

Me too, I love that's its secure but don't we need to worry about nose rub? I don't know what else to do.

I guess it's different for each snake. My corn never rubs against the top.

[drumcrush]

my old chemistry teacher just build a frame to go around his tank and he had holes drilled through it to run straps and just strapped it down.

[Flint]

What was used for the viewing area on that tank terranaut?

[Terranaut]

I used plexi but it was what I had. If I was to do this again I would justbcall a local glass place. Glass is super cheap.

[Flint]

I don't have anything laying around. That lid would exceed $50.

[TheFrogman]

I guess it's different for each snake. My corn never rubs against the top.

So does my Rosy Boa, that all that much but she does, but Im not sure what else to use.

[Terranaut]

I don't have anything laying around. That lid would exceed $50.

I used cheap pine and a marine paint for it. 1 tube of super adhesive 4 hinges and the plexi was free. This is a 5x20" opening and the stuff mentioned is cheaper in the US.

[Flint]

I don't have free Plexi is the issue.

[Terranaut]

I don't have free Plexi is the issue.

This is why I suggested glass. Call a local glass place in the yellow pages and give them the size and ask for a non finished edge. Wrap it with the wood and your done. You will be surprised.

[Aaron_S]

Why not call around and look online so you can price shop instead of dismissing it without further research?

It is possible since it's for an enclosure you may not need a brand new piece and they might have an off cut laying around to sell for cheaper.

[lewis13]

This method will only cost $45 as opposed to the $30 for the lid, $20+ to secure it and the shipping on an oversized item. No local places can order for me and our reptile shows aren't close enough to go to.


If it is only a difference of $5 or $10 I would go with the pre-made one. My time is worth considerably more to me then the price difference and having the professionally made lid will probably look and fit better as well.