So I am in the process of setting up a vivarium for my Tokay. It is being made from a hexagon fish tank and of course there are absolutely no already made screen covers. I have a basic idea of what I am going to do, the only problem I forsee is will it weigh enough to keep a full grown Tokay inside. It is just a baby now so it wont really be a problem but in the future it will. I guess I can address that problem when I come to it. I will addtach the rought sketch in a few.
Screen cover for Hexagon tank
- Thread starter booth2010
- Start date
LEOPARD1
New member
Tokays are strong. Just like their jaws. If you feel uncomfortable about the weight of the enclosures top (you will have a better Idea when its finished) any Hardware, Lowes, Etc.. will have something to completely secure it and have it aesthetically pleasing. Go online too. Research, Research, Research
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Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
In order to provide adequate ventilation try 1/8 inch grid hardware cloth (screen). It comes in 24 inch widths and can be found at Ace Hardware stores. This can easily be cut to size.
If you wish more weight, a wooden frame could be built with the hardware cloth stapled in place.
If you heat the hex from the top, the light fixture will probably add enough weight to ensure no escapes.
If you wish more weight, a wooden frame could be built with the hardware cloth stapled in place.
If you heat the hex from the top, the light fixture will probably add enough weight to ensure no escapes.
When I was making a screen frame for my hex, I opted to do it out of square balsa dowel, glued into shape, with mesh attached. With careful measuring and cutting, it ended up so snug of a fit, I have a hard time getting it out. I certainly wouldn't worry about a gecko being able to pop it off. Mine is closer to style B, without the groove. I've been pretty pleased with it.
Riverside Reptiles
Administrator (HMFIC)
You would need a lot more than just a piece of hardware cloth sitting on top of the tank. It would have to have at least some sort of frame. But really, using anything without some sort of latch for a tokay is a disaster waiting to happen. They are not just strong but also extremely smart and able to squeeze through much smaller spaces than one would think. If you're set on building a lid yourself, keep in mind that tokays require high humidity and anything made of wood will require moisture proofing in order to keep it from rotting or warping over time. Also, I'd use 1" x 2" lumber and more than just glue to hold it together. If you're not capable of building something properly, why take the risk of building something that's not substantial just to save a few bucks? It doesn't have to be fancy, but you do want it to be secure and not something that's going to be a worry over time. Also, you didn't say what size the tank is, but adult tokays require a very large enclosure to maintain a proper quality of life.
I plan on using 1"x2" for the frame, it will be glued and I will be using a biscuit joiner so they will be glued in as well. I think I am going to use the 1/4" hardware cloth found at lowes, and I will be using an oil based primer and oil based paint to seal the wood to prevent moisture. I have a build thread on the Natural Vivarium page, this is just gonna be a tank untill it gets too large. I will then be building another tank for it and this will become a cresite enclosure.
I will be experimenting this weeked on the top
I will be experimenting this weeked on the top
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
How is your hex's custom screen top coming along? Pictures?
Ive been waiting on payday (today) to buy materials for it. I tested a few peices to decide what method I was going with and I decided option A looked better. If the wife lets me I hope to get it done this weekend.
All right, for those of yall following this it is done. Im about 90% happy with it, a few things that would have been better if I was using my dads chop saw instead of my grandpas (about 15-20yrs difference in the 2 saws lol). I spent roughly 25$ on the materials and it took me from 4:47pm to 9:13pm today with 1 trip to Lowes, so only about 3 hours 45mins of actual work. Pics to follow.
Here all 6 pieces have been cut, routed (past tense for using the router on them?), used "waterproof" wood glue and brads to keep them together.
Here the screen has been cut and screwed into place with stainless steel screws and washer. This was the 2nd screen I had to cut because I did an 18" square instead of the 18"x22" it shoulda been. Measure twice cut once :shock: . Anyways got the 2nd cut trimmed and screwed in.
I then used staples in between the screws to make sure the wire mesh was 100% sturdy.
In order to hide the screws, staples, and pointy ends of the wire I used a thing strip of wood.
Lastly here is the finished product on the tank itself. I will either paint it tomorrow or next weekend, time permitting.
Here the screen has been cut and screwed into place with stainless steel screws and washer. This was the 2nd screen I had to cut because I did an 18" square instead of the 18"x22" it shoulda been. Measure twice cut once :shock: . Anyways got the 2nd cut trimmed and screwed in.
I then used staples in between the screws to make sure the wire mesh was 100% sturdy.
In order to hide the screws, staples, and pointy ends of the wire I used a thing strip of wood.
Lastly here is the finished product on the tank itself. I will either paint it tomorrow or next weekend, time permitting.
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Great job, booth2010!
Is it alright if I include this info on a thread I've posted for cresties?
Click: http://www.geckosunlimited.com/comm...aresheet-tips-february-2015-a.html#post442441
Is it alright if I include this info on a thread I've posted for cresties?
Click: http://www.geckosunlimited.com/comm...aresheet-tips-february-2015-a.html#post442441
Thanks Elizabeth and sure I do not mind, im sure someone else could use a top like this eventually.
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
I also have a hexagon tank that needs a top. Mine has equal sides, so perhaps your 18" cut would have worked for me.