mesh vs expanded metal?

[jrh3]

So I know mesh is bad due to being able to get claws and fangs caught in the mesh. Is this because it is woven and will create a pinch point. With that said would expanded metal be a safe option? attached are pictures of expanded metal, just wanted to double check because I have always used plastic or acrylic. The expanded metal wont move like the mesh would because it is not woven. If is will be an issue, I can easily cover it with plastic and drill holes.
unlike mesh there are no sharp corners and cross points to create a snag.

 

[Brachyfan]

Looks like some kind of woven fabric behind it. But that is probably just what the grill is sitting on.

I have been told that this type would be much safer than woven mesh. You are correct sir! It is the cross points that are really dangerous.

 

[jrh3]

Looks like some kind of woven fabric behind it. But that is probably just what the grill is sitting on.

I have been told that this type would be much safer than woven mesh. You are correct sir! It is the cross points that are really dangerous.

yes, I laid it on a white bed sheet so you can see the design better, its just expanded metal that has been powder coated.

 

[Hardus nameous]

Expanded metal can still trap tarsal claws. I thought it would be fine until I had a Phormictopus get a leg stuck; now I use drilled sheets of plastic.

On second thought, perhaps the claw wasn't trapped, but the spider was dangling by a single leg nonetheless.

 

[Brachyfan]

Expanded metal can still trap tarsal claws. I thought it would be fine until I had a Phormictopus get a leg stuck; now I use drilled sheets of plastic.

My baumgarteni once had trouble freeing a leg it stuck through an airhole in a plastic lid too. Opened my t cabinet and saw 3 legs sticking an inch out of the lid! Sometimes it happens.

On second thought, perhaps the claw wasn't trapped, but the spider was dangling by a single leg nonetheless.

I once saw my baumgarteni with 3 legs sticking out of airholes in a plastic lid by an inch. I think they can get caught up regardless of what you do for safety.

 

[jrh3]

I once saw my baumgarteni with 3 legs sticking out of airholes in a plastic lid by an inch. I think they can get caught up regardless of what you do for safety.

thats my point, a hole is a hole. Either plastic or metal. I am thinking its the woven mesh that causes the issue because it can be moved and stuff can get caught under it.

 

[Brachyfan]

thats my point, a hole is a hole. Either plastic or metal. I am thinking its the woven mesh that causes the issue because it can be moved and stuff can get caught under it.

I would agree. If you are worried you can always try that trick I learned from @Ungoliant where you put a cotton sheet under the lid. This will allow airflow but when a t tries to go up there they can't get a solid grip and abandon that plan.

Woven mesh is bad for sure. And minimizing fall risk with proper substrate height and no hard objects is imperative

 

[jrh3]

I would agree. If you are worried you can always try that trick I learned from @Ungoliant where you put a cotton sheet under the lid. This will allow airflow but when a t tries to go up there they can't get a solid grip and abandon that plan.

Woven mesh is bad for sure. And minimizing fall risk with proper substrate height and no hard objects is imperative

like a pillow case? That type of cotton sheet?

 

[Brachyfan]

like a pillow case? That type of cotton sheet?

I'll have to find the post. If I do I will link it here. Or maybe you could ask @Ungoliant ? Not sure what she uses.

 

[Ungoliant]

I'll have to find the post. If I do I will link it here. Or maybe you could ask @Ungoliant ? Not sure what she uses.

I drape a thin sheet of cotton beneath the mesh to discourage climbing onto the ceiling while also allowing ventilation.

 

[Ellenantula]

I only use this type of grate lid on my snake and bearded dragon enclosures (not that my bearded dragon can even reach it).
I think T legs/tarsal claws could get caught.

 

[jrh3]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I don’t want to come home to a Tarantula hanging from the ceiling so I will swap it out.

 

[The Grym Reaper]

I imagine it'd be much safer than woven mesh.

Perforated sheet metal would also be a good alternative in terms of safety

 

[jrh3]

I imagine it'd be much safer than woven mesh.

Perforated sheet metal would also be a good alternative in terms of safety

that’s pretty mush what this is. Just oval shaped instead of round.

 

[Tim Benzedrine]

I imagine it'd be much safer than woven mesh.

Perforated sheet metal would also be a good alternative in terms of safety

They used to make lids just that way. I haven't seen one like those for a very long time and I've looked for them on-line just out of curiosity.
I dug out one I still have, sized for a ten-gallon tank. It is really old and kind of dingy since it has not seen use for quite a number of years With the spacing of the holes, I think the chances of a hang-up is minimal, especially if you have the substrate high enough where the spider can support itself with other legs, which is what most people usually do anyway. It would not be 100% free of risk, but very few things are, really
If I had the need, I'd probably use the lid for a spider that does not need any humidity retention.
The lid was designed with one end edge left off so it could be lifted off or slid back. I'm not sure if my description in that regard is clear.

 

[jrh3]

They used to make lids just that way. I haven't seen one like those for a very long time and I've looked for them on-line just out of curiosity.
I dug out one I still have, sized for a ten-gallon tank. It is really old and kind of dingy since it has not seen use for quite a number of years With the spacing of the holes, I think the chances of a hang-up is minimal, especially if you have the substrate high enough where the spider can support itself with other legs, which is what most people usually do anyway. It would not be 100% free of risk, but very few things are, really
If I had the need, I'd probably use the lid for a spider that does not need any humidity retention.
The lid was designed with one end edge left off so it could be lifted off or slid back. I'm not sure if my description in that regard is clear.

View attachment 330067

I have seen those lids before as well. I may try the expanded metal lid I have listed in the first post. Tom Moran had a podcast about them said the real risk was the wire mesh not the perf holes or expanded metal, but there is always a potential i guess. Luckily, I have a machine shop at work and just had me a piece of lexan milled to fit. Im gonna try it out when i get home today.

 

[Tortuga]

I drape a thin sheet of cotton beneath the mesh to discourage climbing onto the ceiling while also allowing ventilation.

You inspired a thought. Could you bypass the mesh altogether and frame a cotton sheet, similar to a painters canvas? Or would that defeat the purpose a ‘draped’ sheet vs. a taunt one.

 

[Ungoliant]

You inspired a thought. Could you bypass the mesh altogether and frame a cotton sheet, similar to a painters canvas? Or would that defeat the purpose a ‘draped’ sheet vs. a taunt one.

I'm not sure how secure it would be with just the sheet as the sole lid.