How to cover a tank securely?

[smash_57]

I've decided to put my rtb in my 75 gallon aquarium, since I don't have the money to buy or build him anything else right now, and he needs something that will hold heat since it's starting to turn chilly here now. What I need to know is:

How Do You Cover Your 75 Gallon Tank - so that an rtb can't escape?? (he's still pretty small btw, but I'll have plenty of hides and greenery and such)

Pictures appreciated, too!

Thanks!
~Jenn

[Demona]

I'm bad with gallons, what are its dimensions?

[liquid-leaf]

Glass tanks are hard to secure for large boas - some people use mesh tops that you can buy at a pet store and then put bricks or other weights on them, but boas can still push out. I've heard of people using cheap nylon belts around the tank and over the lid - once the buckle is snapped, the snake cannot push the lid off. You'd probably need two or three of them though. Instead of belts (not sure how big it would be), you can also use adjustable straps that they sell for backpacking (used to secure sleeping bags to big frame backpacks) or even cargo straps.

If you're making your own lid, make most of it solid or covered so that it keeps heat and humidity in. Boas don't need a WHOLE lot of ventilation, just a little. So only a small part of the lid would need to allow airflow.

[smash_57]

It's 48"long X 18"wide.

I know the screens aren't a good idea, that's why I was asking, since I know there's others who use tanks. We were thinking of using some sort of board to seal off the top (and actually sealing it, not just setting it on there) and putting a door and vents in it. Or something. Not quite sure, that's why I asked for ideas

Thanks!

	Cloaca is the posterior opening that serves as the only such opening for the intestinal, urinary, and (usually) genital tracts of certain animal species.All birds, reptiles, and amphibians possess this orifice, from which they excrete both urine and feces

[MAG_Pythons]

that accually sounds like a good idea - to permantally attach somthing to the tank then have doors on thet

[liquid-leaf]

I did see on another forum that someone built locking top doors for their aquarium.. I can't recall exactly where I saw that though. Your idea is a great one! I always think of non-permanent ways to attach things because I don't want to "ruin" a tank... but if you don't mind permanently fixing a top on, doors wouldn't be that hard to attach!

[smash_57]

I don't mind "ruining" the tank, lol (gonna make the hubby buy me a new one for my fishies eventually - that's going to be a battle, though, I can see it coming) - I just want it to be 1st - secure, and 2nd - pretty! Oh, and let's not forget, it can't cost TOO much, either! I thought with all the different creative people on here maybe someone had done something like this and could share. I'd have to figure out ways for lighting, heating, ventilation, etc, as well....

[Brandon27]

When it comes to building a permanent, secure top for the tank, keep in mind that you will need to be able to have access to both sides of the tank. If you have only one door, then it will be difficult to get into the opposite side.
I have a 55 gal with a top that is mostly screen, but has a round lid on either side, so I can just unscrew it and get in from there. The sides of the top have hooks, so I have attached bungee cords to keep my girl from escaping.
As a non-permanent solution for holding the heat and humidity, I just use plastic wrap under the screen-top to cover about 80% of the tank. It works for a quick fix, but is kind of a pain in the butt. That's why I'm ordering from www.boaphileplastics.com very soon!

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[smash_57]

ah yes - access to the whole tank would be rather useful! Thanks!

[Slithers]

http://www.reptiledirect.com/index.a...ROD&ProdID=177 http://www.reptiledirect.com/index.a...ROD&ProdID=169

[smash_57]

Do you use these clips, Slithers? Just wondering if they're really secure? Right now, they'd be fine, and this will probably be what I do for a temporary fix (snakey is still too small to mess with it!) and HOPEFULLY by the time it becomes an issue i'll have a better enclosure for him AND I can have my aquarium back!!

Thanks everyone!