alternatives to acrylic when replacing exoterra mesh tops

[yelnei]

hey there, i have an exoterra i want to convert into an arboreal enclosure. i know the mesh tops are terrible for Ts, but i don’t have a ton of access to the tools required for replacing the lid with acrylic. are there any alternative methods that would prove safe for a T to cover or replace the mesh? i’ve been thinking about the potential of covering it with a puncture resistant fabric and then covering that with some foliage, to still allow for some airflow while also preventing the T’s legs or fangs from getting stuck, but i’m worried this won’t be enough. anyone ever replaced or covered mesh on these kinds of enclosures with something other than acrylic?

 

[ladyratri]

hey there, i have an exoterra i want to convert into an arboreal enclosure. i know the mesh tops are terrible for Ts, but i don’t have a ton of access to the tools required for replacing the lid with acrylic. are there any alternative methods that would prove safe for a T to cover or replace the mesh? i’ve been thinking about the potential of covering it with a puncture resistant fabric and then covering that with some foliage, to still allow for some airflow while also preventing the T’s legs or fangs from getting stuck, but i’m worried this won’t be enough. anyone ever replaced or covered mesh on these kinds of enclosures with something other than acrylic?

Is the top actual woven wire mesh with overlapping strands, or is it a single perforated piece that looks like mesh, but doesn't have separate wires that move against each other? There's more about the mesh tops in some other threads if your search, but my understanding from those threads was that only the woven mesh poses a falling hazard, because their claws get pinched as the wires move against each other, whereas the single perforated sheet cannot pinch like that. You may want to confirm which kind of mesh it is and search more.

That said, I wonder if you could cover the mesh with a cork bark flat with some holes drilled for air?

 

[nicodimus22]

You know the kind of waffle-style white plastic covering you see in in-ceiling lights in office buildings? I wonder if something like that would be sturdy enough, if you were to cut it to size with a dremel and then hotglue it in place.

This stuff is what I mean: https://www.amazon.com/AMERICAN-LOUVER-Eggcrate-Louver-TC-24-2448-2PK/dp/B06XGZVC6R/ref=sr_1_25?crid=1DQABJ9S1Q0KH&keywords=ceiling+louvers&qid=1676759770&s=hi&sprefix=ceiling+louvers,tools,277&sr=1-25

 

[yelnei]

Is the top actual woven wire mesh with overlapping strands, or is it a single perforated piece that looks like mesh, but doesn't have separate wires that move against each other? There's more about the mesh tops in some other threads if your search, but my understanding from those threads was that only the woven mesh poses a falling hazard, because their claws get pinched as the wires move against each other, whereas the single perforated sheet cannot pinch like that. You may want to confirm which kind of mesh it is and search more.

That said, I wonder if you could cover the mesh with a cork bark flat with some holes drilled for air?

it's the woven mesh. from what i understand, the woven mesh can cause a falling hazard, but they can also get their feet or fangs caught in the weaving, possibly leading to lost limbs or injuries. most of what i was seeing through searching was just recommendations to remove the mesh and swap it with acrylic, but i'd like to try to find alternatives to the acrylic solution if possible

maybe! i had seen someone on facebook who had glued a lot of fake foliage to the mesh on the top to prevent the tarantula from reaching the mesh and avoiding the possibility of getting a foot stuck, but i wasn't 100% on it...

 

[curtisgiganteus]

You can just take the lid to Home Depot and have them cut a piece of plexiglass or other plastic to size. Buy yourself a drill and a few drill bits for drilling holes. Then just use 100% aquarium silicone to adhere the plastic to the inside of the lid

 

[The Snark]

but my understanding from those threads was that only the woven mesh poses a falling hazard, because their claws get pinched as the wires move against each other, whereas the single perforated sheet cannot pinch like that.

You can always safety wire mesh - and control the size of the 'holes' by giving it one or more coats of a quality high gloss enamel paint. Slick surface, immobilizes wires, and fills in very little, some or much of the holes.

 

[Hardus nameous]

I replaced mine with a piece of plastic. I can buy polyethylene by the sheet, cut out a piece I need and drill holes through it without worring about it cracking. Aquariums use 1/4" and the Exo-Terras took 1/2" thick pieces if I remember right. With the Exo-Terras I had to router out two spots on the front corners as well.

Not the quickest method, but it works for me. It's also completely impractical if you don't have the tools or aren't making enough to justify buying at least half a sheet of plastic.

 

[viper69]

Mine just put the lid back on when they are home

 

[NMTs]

hey there, i have an exoterra i want to convert into an arboreal enclosure. i know the mesh tops are terrible for Ts, but i don’t have a ton of access to the tools required for replacing the lid with acrylic. are there any alternative methods that would prove safe for a T to cover or replace the mesh? i’ve been thinking about the potential of covering it with a puncture resistant fabric and then covering that with some foliage, to still allow for some airflow while also preventing the T’s legs or fangs from getting stuck, but i’m worried this won’t be enough. anyone ever replaced or covered mesh on these kinds of enclosures with something other than acrylic?

Check out this source for some 3D printed & acrylic replacement tops for a reasonable price, and they ship quick:

Tinkerframe Mini Lid Replacement Lid Upgrade for Exo Terra Mini 12x12 Terrarium Safe for Tarantulas NEW DESIGN - Etsy

This Pet Houses item by CMTerrariums has 1029 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Battle Ground, WA. Listed on Aug 20, 2024

www.etsy.com

 

[Matt Man]

Which size Exoterra do you have?

 

[Jaycooks1]

I bought the tinker frame from Etsy it fits right and works great Just be carful drilling holes the plexi is thin and i cracked mine.

 

[NMTs]

I bought the tinker frame from Etsy it fits right and works great Just be carful drilling holes the plexi is thin and i cracked mine.

I think they'll send you replacement inserts if you pay shipping.

 

[Introvertebrate]

Stan Schultz would often recommend Galvanized Steel Hardware Cloth, so that claws wouldn't get stuck.

 

[IntermittentSygnal]

You can also buy arcylic sheets of varying thicknesses on Amazon at the size you need and drill holes.

 

[me and my Ts]

It is extremely simple and cheap to replace it with acrylic.
First rip out the mesh.

Then measure the opening

Cut some plexiglass to fit by using a box cutter and a ruler, run the box cutter along where you want to cut the plexiglass pushing down as hard as you can. Do this several times. You can buy the plexiglass from Hobby Lobby for about $2.

Finally use a hot glue gun to secure it in place of the screen.

 

[Matt Man]

I use a CNC machine and replace the whole lid

 

[NMTs]

I use a CNC machine and replace the whole lid

Of course - I never thought of firing up my CNC machine for this!

How do we place an order?

 

[Matt Man]

Of course - I never thought of firing up my CNC machine for this!

How do we place an order?

I have really fun toys
View attachment T Holes.mp4

 

[nicodimus22]

I use a CNC machine and replace the whole lid

Huh. All this time, I thought those were just for music factories.

 

[The Spider House]

I am going to be a bit controversial here!!!

IME (30 plus years keepings Ts), arboreal spiders tend to do well, even with the exo mesh, I think it is down to a difference in the claws when compared to their terrestrial cousins?

I do however ALWAYS replace the mesh for terrestrial spiders with acrylic and ventilation holes.

So there you have it, I shall await the inevitable barrage!