Cutting a screen lid?

[moonbeam]

So I just got a new fogger for the crabitat and last night I set it up and attached it to the lid with foil to direct the flow into the tank. the tube is pointed directly down and I don't think its really benefiting the whole tank like I'd like it to. I'd like to cut part of the screen lid (no slits for tubing) so that I can put the hose inside the tank and direct it so that the whole tank is getting the fog, not just one half. Its a metal type screen material. My first thought was wire cutters but before I go jumping into this I thought I'd ask for opinions and advice. I need to know if there is a better or more efficient way of cutting into the lid. Thanks in advance!

[YYWW]

Do you have gauges in? I'd move it to the far side and check if the fogger really isnt reaching first.


Crabbers unite!!!

[moonbeam]

Yep checking that now. I have a false bottom so I'm not really worried about a flood but I don't want one side to be super moist and the other sort of dry? I don't know, maybe it's just my ocd or the fact that no matter how much I've run it today it seems to only stay about 70-86%. I know winter weather and dry air play into it too. I just want a happy healthy tank


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[moonbeam]

Ok so I'm gonna give it some more time but for now, I've had the fogger on for a while now. 3/4 of the front glass is covered in condensation but the hygrometer only reads 72. I calibrated it a week and half ago.


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[wodesorel]

If you can poke a screwdriver into the screen where you want it and stretch the mesh rather than cut it, it'll be better in the long run. Screen lids are not well constructed, and the mesh is woven. Once some brands are cut, they can start to unravel. It'll also rust around the opening. (A bit of sanding and some spray paint will fix that easy enough if it becomes a problem, but the lid would have to be off the tank for a few days.) There are cord access ports available as well, but those are overkill for a tiny hose.

[moonbeam]

Do you think I can stretch out a hole big enough to fit a tube in with about 1" diameter? Is it even worth the trouble to do so or am I just making this more complicated than need be?


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[aldebaron0626]

Is getting a new kid out of budget? The glass lids at Dr Foster and Smith are super affordable. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... catid=3790

There are two different types of glass lids. I just linked one.


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[moonbeam]

Unfortunately yes, for now the screen lid must stay but thanks for the link. Maybe down the road I can get some glass lids.


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[wodesorel]

I've broken several screen lids, so I don't think you're making it more complicated! Mine were almost all second hand, so I have no idea which brand is which, but some fall completely apart if you look at them cross-eyed, while others take a beating without complaint. If it's a solid lid you can pretty much do anything to it, but if it's more flimsy then I think some caution before tearing into it is a good thing. The mesh cannot be replaced unless you have access to welding equipment, so I personally think planning ahead is the best way to do things.

[kornchaser]

I have EE in my tank and an under tank heater from pet smart under it and if the holes in the lid are covered I have 99% humidity just from the wetness of my Eco Earth and the heater. Beware though, the high humidity will break a digital hygrometer but not a dial one.


Hermie mommy of 10 PP babies: Octavius Flemming, Poseidon, Bruiser, Junior, Matty Pumpkin, Turbo, Kaylee Frye, Pepper, Flower and Adrian Shephard.

[moonbeam]

I've broken several screen lids, so I don't think you're making it more complicated! Mine were almost all second hand, so I have no idea which brand is which, but some fall completely apart if you look at them cross-eyed, while others take a beating without complaint. If it's a solid lid you can pretty much do anything to it, but if it's more flimsy then I think some caution before tearing into it is a good thing. The mesh cannot be replaced unless you have access to welding equipment, so I personally think planning ahead is the best way to do things.

Thanks, it's the only lid I'm gonna have for a while so I decided against tearing into it. It's a pretty solid lid but it needs to last so I'd rather not take my chances.

One last question. Since the fogger is running through the lid is it a good idea to move it around from time to time so that it doesn't damage the mesh in that same spot over time?


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[wodesorel]

It's going to rust. Even without the humidifier, the lid will start getting a faint rusting over time, usually within a year or two becuase of the humidity levels. I personally wouldn't move the tube around, because then you'll end up with a bunch of really rusty patches all over, rather than in just one spot. The lids are seriously easy to fix up with spray paint - I did four this past summer, one that looked like a scrap heap, and now they look brand new again.

[moonbeam]

YES! That is a bit of a relief to hear. It took a lot of foil and Saran Wrap to get it right and I was not looking forward to moving it around and having to mess with it each time. I figured the lid would rush over time but if I can get a year or two out of it I'll be really happy. Thanks for all your help.


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[0feelingcrabby0]

Where did you get the fogger? I've been looking for one and I can't find them anywhere!

[moonbeam]

I found it on amazon, it was on sale or discounted. I can't remember lol, but it was cheaper than petsmart. They might still have some cheaper than the pet store any way.


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