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Here’s how to build a newt proof * lid using clear plastic sheet. Clear lids allow both easy lighting and viewing of you newts/sals.
What you need –
1) A fish tank –this one is 18 inch x 10 inch
2) Clear plastic sheet, 4mm thickness (or more). You want the plastic to be thick enough to provide rigidity and weight. I would suggest 4mm as a minimum.
3) Lengths of right angled wooden edging strips. Plastic or metal would work but wood is easy to work with.
4) Glass/Metal silicone, preferably a brand that is safe for aquaria.
5) A saw. I use a power saw but a hand saw will do. I like power tools
.
6) A drill to create ventilation holes.
7) A set-square for creating 45% angles.
Step 1
Most fish tanks will come with a free plastic lid as pictured. Don’t be tempted to use it. It’s too flimsy and lightweight and IMO the best place for it is in the bin.
Step 2
Cut a piece of clear plastic the exact size of you tank.
Step 3
Cut 4 pieces of edging wood, one for each side. Use a set-square or mitre block to get 45 degree angles. Getting the angles in the right place is a little tricky so take your time and check each piece against the plastic you’ve cut before cutting the next one.
Step 4
Silicone the edging around your plastic.
Step 5
Next, using a drill, create ventilation holes throughout the lid. To make them look neat mark out where you want the holes using a ruler. Whilst the drill is out you may want to think about where holes need to be for air tubes or filter wires.
Step 6
The finished lid. Leave it to cure for ~24hrs before using.
* I weighed this lid. It’s 600g which is heavy enough to prevent small newts like cynops or mesotriton from escaping. This is a small tank, 18inch x 10inch. For larger newts you’ll probably use a larger tank and therefore a heavier lid. If you were to keep a large newt in this tank I would be tempted to add some more weight to the lid.
(Message edited by aartse_tuyn on February 03, 2007)
What you need –
1) A fish tank –this one is 18 inch x 10 inch
2) Clear plastic sheet, 4mm thickness (or more). You want the plastic to be thick enough to provide rigidity and weight. I would suggest 4mm as a minimum.
3) Lengths of right angled wooden edging strips. Plastic or metal would work but wood is easy to work with.
4) Glass/Metal silicone, preferably a brand that is safe for aquaria.
5) A saw. I use a power saw but a hand saw will do. I like power tools
6) A drill to create ventilation holes.
7) A set-square for creating 45% angles.
Step 1
Most fish tanks will come with a free plastic lid as pictured. Don’t be tempted to use it. It’s too flimsy and lightweight and IMO the best place for it is in the bin.
Step 2
Cut a piece of clear plastic the exact size of you tank.
Step 3
Cut 4 pieces of edging wood, one for each side. Use a set-square or mitre block to get 45 degree angles. Getting the angles in the right place is a little tricky so take your time and check each piece against the plastic you’ve cut before cutting the next one.
Step 4
Silicone the edging around your plastic.
Step 5
Next, using a drill, create ventilation holes throughout the lid. To make them look neat mark out where you want the holes using a ruler. Whilst the drill is out you may want to think about where holes need to be for air tubes or filter wires.
Step 6
The finished lid. Leave it to cure for ~24hrs before using.
* I weighed this lid. It’s 600g which is heavy enough to prevent small newts like cynops or mesotriton from escaping. This is a small tank, 18inch x 10inch. For larger newts you’ll probably use a larger tank and therefore a heavier lid. If you were to keep a large newt in this tank I would be tempted to add some more weight to the lid.
(Message edited by aartse_tuyn on February 03, 2007)
