Modifying a 30 gallon Aquarium for a Giant

[BladeGypsy]

Hello All,


I currently am working on a project and I would appreciate some advice from some of our more seasoned members than myself.

It is a 30 gallon, all acrylic, "Sea Clear" brand aquarium. When I purchased it, it had four different cut-out sections on the top. I have since cut that all out into a, as close as possible, rectangle opening.
My intention is to put an adult/sub adult T. stirmi in it. But, I want to modify the sides as little as possible, that way it could potentially used for something else in the future...perhaps even set up for something arboreal.

So, my current plan is to purchase acrylic for the top and I have this heavy duty plastic mesh that was originally made for crafts called Yarnology Ultra Stiff Plastic Canvas Mesh.
My plan is to take two sheets of acrylic and have them cut into a frame shape (so that I have dual opening doors if I only want to open up half of the top). Then, within the center of the acrylic frames, attach the plastic mesh to the acrylic for ventilation and air. I am thinking the mesh mounted inside the acrylic would provide far better ventilation than drilled holes, hence the reason I chose it.



My Questions are:
- Is the plastic mesh suitable for this purpose? (since it is heavy duty plastic and not metal, I'm thinking it would be, but hey, I'm a noob...). If it is not suitable, I plan to drill many holes in the top of the acrylic lid doors and nix the frame cutout idea)
- If suitable, what do I use to attach the plastic mesh to the bottom side of the acrylic frame (or should I attach the mesh to the top side of the acrylic frame)
- What is the best product (specific name/product number, please) of acrylic glue (to attach acrylic hinges to the aquarium)?
- What width acrylic do you recommend for the lid frame?
- What size and brand acrylic hinges should I purchase for the two door lid and how many?
- The back panel of this enclosure is a solid color dark blue. Are there backgrounds I can put INSIDE of the enclosure? If so, links/specific brands appreciated.
- For a hide, for a T. stirmi, I was thinking of purchasing a Galapagos Reptile Gear 9'' Mossy Dome, product number 05368. Is this a good idea or should I just keep my eyes peeled for a nice big piece of cork bark like all my other Ts?

- Is mopani wood okay to put into T enclosures in general, or too physically rough?
- Is pure coco fiber substrate a good choice for T. stirmi?

Any other thoughts or recommendations are very much appreciated.
AS ALWAYS, THANK YOU!

 

[antinous]

Some things to consider:
-You’re going to need cross ventilation, especially for the T. stirmi since it require a moist and humid environment. Finding a way to make holes on the side would be great, otherwise I’d find a way to drill holes in the acrylic top and add in a lot of isopods to help reduce the likelihood of mold.
-Plastic mesh is not acceptable nor is any kind of mesh, some people do use the metal mesh, but that’s even a bit iffy.
-You can use anything for hides, I personally go with flower pots buried into the substrate since it is cheaper
-I would take out the links as they aren’t allowed per the rules
-Coco fiber is fine, but try looking at topsoil (no additives) as this would be far cheaper
- You can put background buts that’s all extra and not needed

 

[BladeGypsy]

Thank you for the reply.
Why is plastic mesh unacceptable?

 

[antinous]

Thank you for the reply.
Why is plastic mesh unacceptable?

http://arachnoboards.com/threads/eight-legged-can-openers.160896/

 

[BladeGypsy]

Yes, I understand about metal mesh.
But, the plastic "mesh" is essentially all one piece of plastic, with no "strands" to be pulled out.

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Thank you for the reply.
Why is plastic mesh unacceptable?

Tarantulas can get claws stuck in the mesh. I’ve never had one die from it but plan on replacing any screen lids after I find a job.
Not sure if there’s. A budget way to make a screen lid sacs?
And risk of chewing screen.

 

[Bob Lee]

adult/sub adult T

... Maybe it's better to buy a custom terrarium if you have one of these.

 

[BladeGypsy]

^Ok, so if I do not go through with this enclosure, what do you all use to house a T. stirmi?

 

[AngelDeVille]

there is this white plastic mesh that I intend to use for screening. it needs reinforcement/frame but looks like it will work.

It's called weavers mesh, you can find it in the hobby store.

 

[BladeGypsy]

^Yes, this is the "mesh" I was mentioning. I see how a T could potentially chew it, but there is no way for "strands" to be pulled out as there are no actual strands in this product. And, I have heard of Ts chewing the plastic on Critter Keepers and such, but less commonly so - and I thought this would be comparable to any other plastic with ventilation holes in it (like Critter Keepers or Faunariums, not drilled holes in acrylic)...but, perhaps I am mistaken.

 

[antinous]

^Yes, this is the "mesh" I was mentioning. I see how a T could potentially chew it, but there is no way for "strands" to be pulled out as there are no actual strands in this product. And, I have heard of Ts chewing the plastic on Critter Keepers and such, but less commonly so - and I thought this would be comparable to any other plastic with ventilation holes in it (like Critter Keepers or Faunariums, not drilled holes in acrylic)...but, perhaps I am mistaken.

I haven’t heard of any of T’s chewing through those either. Thought you were talking about regular mesh, but that should be fine afaik

 

[AngelDeVille]

^Ok, so if I do not go through with this enclosure, what do you all use to house a T. stirmi?

I like that enclosure, I will have 6-8, 7"+ tarantulas in the future, and I'm on the look out for nice enclosures for them.

 

[Dorifto]

My pulchra in her old enclosure chewing a metal mesh:
You can see a little deformity in the mesh near one of her legs. She made it pulling it a little bit with her fangs, and she does not broke it because I stopped her. Also they are very dangerous because they can stay hanging from their claws. I found mine twice hangin from one leg.

I would suggest you an acrylic top, with some drilled holes. You can put it on top of your tank with some hinges to open it more easily.