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 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.