Ideas for cage tops for Phelsuma klemmeri

[Phelsuma04]

Hi everybody,

I need some good ideas for some cheap screen tops for 10 gallon klemmeri cages. I am currently working with the commercially available tops which feature a locking door but now they don't make those anymore and I need some advice.

Any good ideas?

 

[steven97]

at home hardware there might be some wire mesh, (my dad just bought some for 15$ there yesterday ) and you could duct tape it down i guess

 

[fenrisswolf]

wire mesh and window screening frames

If you are going to go the wire mesh route, you might consider buying the whole window screening frame kits available at home depot and the like, in addition to the screen mesh.

They are relatively inexpensive, and you'll just have to buy a few extra bags of plastic corner pieces, along with the screen fitting roller tool. A single kit made for a large window should provide you with enough frame material for several 10 gallon cages. Prices may vary depending on where you shop, but it should cost you somewhere between $20 & $30 for everything you'll need, and you will have material left over for future projects.

They do not take too long to assemble, and while they are not as sturdy as the commercially available screen covers, (they will not hold an adult cat's weight, for one ) both the screen and frames come in multiple colors, (if you are not in a hurry, check the store's online catalogs for colors you can order that are not usually available directly,) and they can look quite nice if you take the time to assemble them carefully and make sure the mesh screen fits flat, which shouldn't be a big problem with a 10 gallon cage. Besides the aforementioned screen fitting tool, the only extra tools you will need are a simple hacksaw to cut the frame material (usually aluminum,) to size, and a measuring tape.

Check out the prices of appropriately sized glass and plexy, if you should also need to hold some humidity in your cages. Glass seems to be fairly cheap compared to plexy at the moment, at least locally, but I have not had need of it, so I could not tell you the best way to obtain it. (I have been able to use regular aquarium covers so far on those tanks I need to hold relatively higher humidity in.)

 

[Phelsuma04]

thanks for the advice

I checked out a hardware store and the screen and frames they sell there do seem like the way to go. I think I might use two smaller sections (to cover half or so of a ten gallon) and hinge them together for easier access.

Thanks again,

Take care,

 

[clint545]

I've been using the DIY screen tops for the past year and haven't looked back since. Cheaper by far if you're using multipe cages, and gives yourself a few options on how to set the lid/opening to suit your needs.

 

[lessthantito]

I have been making my own screen fronts/tops myself for the past 2 years and for the price of one lid from a reptile store I can usually get enough parts from lowes/home depot to make up to 10 on my own and I can make them to fit just about any tank, I think they work better than any store bought lid or door

 

[Gecko Ranch]

Sliding screen tops are the way to go if you have to have a top that opens.