Exo Terra Mesh (in lid) going Rusty!

[Jayzie Greenfrog]

I have two tanks both have problems with rusty mesh in the lids. I am aware that new lids can now be bought and have two on order however after a major panic yesterday when the lock on one of the tanks failed I was forced to see if it was possible to make the other tank habitable and I am very proud to say I have changed out the old rusty mesh and replaced it with new! Left a few holes in hands from the sharp mesh but otherwise appears to have been a great success, I was wondering if anyone else has attempted such a repair? Also now does anyone have experience of the lock failing and can that be repaired? It seems such a waste throwing a tank away just because the lock is broken!

[flybyferns]

I have two tanks both have problems with rusty mesh in the lids. I am aware that new lids can now be bought and have two on order however after a major panic yesterday when the lock on one of the tanks failed I was forced to see if it was possible to make the other tank habitable and I am very proud to say I have changed out the old rusty mesh and replaced it with new! Left a few holes in hands from the sharp mesh but otherwise appears to have been a great success, I was wondering if anyone else has attempted such a repair? Also now does anyone have experience of the lock failing and can that be repaired? It seems such a waste throwing a tank away just because the lock is broken!

Hi Jay,
One of mine has rusty spots too. (one of my 36" high enclosures)
I'm glad to hear the screen replacement went well. You're handy

More recently, my darts are in exo enclosures as well. For these I removed the screen and replaced it with glass.
I think putting glass in .....is easier. I just siliconed it.

The screen lid will take some planning since it has tree frogs in it.

I would contact exo. They my have a remedy for the lock?

Lynn

[Jayzie Greenfrog]

Thanks, good idea with regards the lock. I did consider all sorts of options for the lid but it had to be quick as first I couldn't gain access into the tank (had tree frogs in) then the catch sprung open and wouldn't re-close! So as I didn't want to have free range frogs - something my three cats would have enjoyed, I had to move the frogs - quick! I had the mesh and it was relatively simple to remove the tub like seal from the inside of the lid. Pull the old mesh out, push the new mesh into place and replace the tubing seal - it just pushed back holding everything in place, as it is really tight I didn't bother with glue. Wish I hadn't ordered the new lids now!