Tank lid help, pretty please!

[kara]

I am wondering what the best tank cover would be to prevent escape. I have a 25 gallon tank with the canopy/ light, and for now, I have screen taped to the canopy to prevent escape. I am becoming rather annoyed replacing the tape, which sticks together, and i end up using so much! I was wondering what everyone in the forum uses, I would appreciate some ideas!!

 

[dane]

I use those screen lids from the pet store,
for your screen mesh you could make a frame around it out of wood

 

[jennifer]

I really love the hinged screen lids, if you can find them. They allow you to open the front half and still have a flourescent light on the back half (just be sure there is no way that water could splash up through the lid).

Are you using the screen & tape to cover the holes in the BACK of the canopy, or using the screen in place of the front canopy lid? In either case, I have some suggestions.

 

[kara]

the canopy rear, where the filter goes is what I mean...its just a small area, but it poses a risk....how do you allow space for the filter?

 

[jennifer]

If you are using a waterfall filter, the best solution is to get a different kind of filter. Although electrical tape works nicely to cover holes, a less messy solution is soft black foam (the kind used to insulate electronic parts during shipping). You've probably seen this page, it has pictures of foam in use:
http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/escape.shtml

 

[kara]

me thinks i well opt for a different filter...i love the waterfall sound, and they are easy to maintain, but, alas, i dont want to take any chances!! thanks jennifer, also, what kind of filoter would you reccomend?

 

[jennifer]

The filter I recommend depends on the size of the tank and whether heat and noise (air pump) are major issues or not.
http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/filters.shtml

 

[kenneth]

I attach aluminum channel on three sides of my tanks with silicone then make a "window screen" to slide into it. To add filters etc. I slide in a 1-2" section of "egg crate" (used over/under fluorscent lights) then cut holes to handle the tubing etc., then I make the screen to cover the rest of the opening. If using the egg crate you can add a wider strip to support light fixtures. These are snug and I have never lost a critter.