How do you route cables into a tank without leaving a gap?

[GreenTree]

I hate this problem!! Ive run into it a few times...ironically enough the firebellies are always the ones to escape!! SUCH GOOD CLIMBERS!!! I eventually started making my own custom made lids made out of window screening/framing from home depot with the roller tool with NON RUST screening. You an cut the frame with a hacksaw to your desired measurement to limit your hole size pretty much where its so tight you have to sqeeze the cords in with a bit of force and you can buy the tank lid clips at the petstore or any online market to hold the new and improved lid down and secure and it works fine. If you are not good at PRECISE and small measurements you can also route the cords through PVC piping and do the same outlook. (soak your pvc piping in vinegar to minimize the risk of the toxic plastic exposure to your frogs for 24 hours) It should at MOST cost you about 45 dollars if you have some of the tools at home to have the professional look that is very easy to accomplish. (I can walk you step by step with at most 1 hour time phrame assembly) The cheap method would to follow bills advice with the aquarium filter floss. Its not as eye apealing but it should prevent the firebellies from making the climb of death. Best of luck.

EDIT: If you have a sliding screen and the window phraming is TOO THICK. You can use an extra length of frame and use L-brackets with 2 screws per side and secure and L shaped lid to hide those holes as well. Its a fun project =)

GreenTree

Links for items used:

CLIPS
SCREENING & TOOL KIT
WINDOW FRAMING
HACKSAW
TAPE MEASURE
L-BRACKET
ALUMINUM SCREWS

[Silod]

Thanks for the response, everyone. I'm not sure whether I am relieved or frustrated to find that I don't seem to have missed something ridiculously obvious. Indeed, I would prefer to avoid the use of a putty or silicone, as I do need to slide the screen open regularly to service the pump. Originally, I thought it would be no issue to just clip a small opening in the screen, but when it came down to actually doing it, I realized I would have to make any hole large enough to fit a plug through, so I decided not to go that route.

I found some black duct tape and just put it over the top of the gap. This actually turned out to be quite discreet - barely noticeable at all.

I'm sorry, Lynn, that I sort of just blew off your request for images. I do have a camera, but it didn't seem worth the trouble taking and uploading a photograph. Y'know how sliding closet doors are set into a pair of tracks within a door frame? The screen top on this tank is pretty much exactly like that. Just as if you wouldn't be able to shut your closet door flush against the wall if you ran an extension cord into the closet, the screen is butting up against the cables for the pump and filter.

Either way, problem solved. Thanks to all.

[Silod]

I hate this problem!! Ive run into it a few times...ironically enough the firebellies are always the ones to escape!! SUCH GOOD CLIMBERS!!!

Yeah, what the heck! They do seem to be climbing a LOT less since I upgraded them to their twenty-gallon and their enthusiasm also seems to be abating as they get larger (they're now about half grown). At first, though, it was as if it were their collective lifelong dream to be tree frogs!