Top for aquarium terrarium

18 years ago

I'm having a problem finding a suitable top for my 20gal L terrarium without spending a fortune. I have four cats that range in weight from 9-14 lbs and they will not stay off of the top of my terrarium. I checked into plexiglass and discovered it would cost around $60 for a piece that size and thickness. I have a piece of wood on top of it now but I don't think that can be a permant solution since it is already warping. Any ideas what I could use that will not send me to the poor house? I would also like to be able to either attach a light fixture to or place one on top of the perminant top. BTW getting rid of my cats is not an option:)

Foxy.

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Comments (8)

deadhamster
18 years ago
How about metal screen fixed to a wood frame? It will probably only set you back a few dollars at the hardware store. If you need to keep in more humidity, you can always place some plastic (from a bag or a tarp) over parts of the screen.

-DH
lynette4263
18 years ago
What about a glass top?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3790

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3781
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foxykitten350234
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for the ideas! As I write this I have twelve pounds of Fox kitty thumping around on top of my terrarium now.lol

deadhampster-I do happen to have screen and wood in my carpentry stash at this time. I'm thinking it could be possible to use thin plexiglass then put the wood framed screen on top to keep kittys from ending up in with the plants and the plexi should not only keep humidity in but also keep the screen from rusting. Hmmm... this could work!

lynette- Would a glass top hold up to 14lbs of kitty? I agree it would have a nicer finished look.

Foxy.
sahoyaref
18 years ago
If the glass is thick enough, then yes, it would hold a cat. I also have a cat, and I've got 5/8" thick glass on top of my terr. I'm 100% sure it would be able to hold him! =) Call around to get some prices from glass cutters/suppliers in your area. The price can vary a LOT, so definitely phone around! It shouldn't cost a fortune. I'd estimate $25 for a 20 gal cover of 5/8" glass. Yes, that's a bit pricey, but cheaper than constantly replacing your squashed plants. =)
foxykitten350234
Original Author
18 years ago
***Update***

Sorry I haven't come back to this thread for a while. It is a long story what all has happened that involves nearly dieing, months of physical therapy and a surgery. Like I said it is a long story.lol

I ended up coming up with a top for my terrarium. I used wood that I cut to fit and plastic. I cut out an edge around the piece of wood so it wouldn't shift and fall in then I attached plastic to the underside so the wood would not warp. I was able to attach my light fixture to the underside of the lid. Both plants and cats seem to be happy and safe with this solution. Now all I have to do is redesign my pond so it will hold water.

Thanks everyone for the ideas.

Foxy.
deadhamster
18 years ago
It sounds like you have your lights inside now. Watch them closely, if you have a lot of lights you might heat the terrarium up. The last top I made was with a 16 gauge plastic coated steel mesh. It worked like a charm, won't rust and can hold more than enough weight. Hope you are feeling better now.

-DH
sherryazure
18 years ago
Deadhamster: just got around to reading this, but in future for keeping cats away, you can try natural oil such as Eucalyptus or pine. Just a wift and they will run. why these oils are actually toxic to cats (all oils) as they do not have the metabolism to metabolise them... People with chemical injury often use cats to detect toxic fumes before we can detect them... I use this oil for my chest and forget that fact and they take off fast when I come around. Best Sherry

ps (also a good reason not to use the newer pine or cedar litters)
deadhamster
18 years ago
sherryazure they are also toxic to most reptiles and amphibians, making them dangerous to keep near a terrarium if you have frogs/snakes etc in there.

-DH

Top for aquarium terrarium

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Top for aquarium terrarium

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