Enclosure Lid Replacement

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on replacing the lid of and enclosure. It includes Information on the necessary materials, detailed steps to follow, and useful tips to ensure a successful lid replacement.

Whether it’s an enclosure, ecosystem, or terrarium, sometimes you don’t get the ideal lid. This is an easy walkthrough on how to replace the standard mesh screen with Flexan or Plexi.

As pictured on the left, some pets are fragile or require specific living conditions. Some tarantulas have claws that can easily get caught in regular mesh lids, and other animals need certain moisture levels to stay healthy.

With the methods listed below, you can ensure that any seals will be completely watertight and strong. To ensure a safe and clean experience, we are going to use the same process and equipment every time.

• • Materials you’ll need:
    • Flexan or Plexiglass
    • Silicone Aquarium Sealer
    • Razor Blade
    • Utility Knife
    • Painter’s Tape
    • Rubbing/Isopropyl Alcohol
    • Clean Rag
    • Drill + Bits (optional)
    • Sandpaper (optional)

The benefit of purchasing this equipment and supplies is their multiple applications. After you’re done with your first enclosure lid replacement, you should have plenty of supplies left for your next one. The equipment you buy can be used for any future projects as well.

• • Points to keep in mind:

    • Work in a well-ventilated space. Any time you work with glues, it’s best to work outside to avoid inhaling any fumes.

    • Tape before you glue. To ensure straight lines, you can lay down painter’s tape. Once the glue is applied, you should remove the tape before the silicone dries or sets.

    • Clean areas with Isopropyl Alcohol. This removes oils left from your hands and ensures that the silicone makes a strong bond.

    • Drill holes based on the intention of the lid. For cleaner holes, leave the plastic on before drilling and lightly sand the inside of the holes.

    • Buy Flexan/Plexi slightly larger than you need. Measure your needed area carefully and choose the appropriate thickness. Remember: thin material is prone to bending, while thick material is harder to cut or drill.

    • If you don’t want to get silicone on your hands, wear gloves. Otherwise, it easily wipes off on a dry paper towel or rag.

After considering these points and getting your materials, you can begin planning and executing your project.

• • Preparing the lid:
    

    

    If your lid came with a mesh top, you will want to find a way to carefully remove it. This can be tricky because every manufacturer has slightly different lids. You can do this by inspecting the metal or plastic that is holding the mesh. Most mesh screens are held in by thin metal or plastic pieces that can be easily removed with pliers. Once this is done, you can easily remove the mesh and any other plastic that may obstruct the glass. If you have trouble with this part, you can refer to YouTube. There are a few easy videos with explanations that will be linked below.

• • Cutting the Lid:
    

    

    Start by checking and double-checking your measurements. Clearly mark your lines on the protective plastic. Place your material on a flat and clean surface, ensuring you have something solid to run your razor blade along. Firmly run the blade down the drawn line, keeping the blade against the solid surface and avoiding placing your fingers in front of the blade or cutting towards yourself. Make one or two passes depending on the material thickness. Place a clean rag underneath the material and square up the cut line with the edge of the surface. With a hand on each side of the line, press down to cleanly break the piece in two. Hold up the piece to the intended project and verify that your cut is what you want.

• • Drilling/Sanding(optional):
    

    

    Depending on the intention of your enclosure, terrarium, or ecosystem you may decide you want to add ventilation holes. This should be done before gluing and after cutting. Although it may seem daunting, it is a very simple process. You will need a hand/drill press and bit that matches the desired size of ventilation hole. Measure and mark holes on protective sheet. Place sheet on surface and carefully drill. After drilling, remove protective cover and sand each hole until small imperfections are smooth. n

• • Gluing:
    

    

    Start process by cleaning ALL edges of project with Isopropyl alcohol. Silicone bonds much better with clean surfaces. Prepare silicone by puncturing tube or insert in dispenser. Test thickness of line before using on your project. Place painter’s tape on any glass surface that may get silicone smeared during gluing. Lay a thick clean line of silicone along any edges of the lid. Make sure to leave no gaps, as this will allow unwanted ventilation. Carefully place piece of flexan/plexi glass into place and lightly push. Look at corners and edges making sure there are no large gaps. Remove any painter’s tape before leaving to dry. Leave in a well-ventilated space for at least 24 hours to fully cure. Any spots/lines of silicone can easily be removed with a razor blade after drying.

None of the information or supplies mentioned in this article are sponsored. They are provided for educational purposes and to provide further assistance.

Sources: (I do not own any of these links or the information on them. Feel free to use them for further research or assistance)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hlUSwspXCc&t=154s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir4kHioCSM0&t=561s

Written and Published on 6/24/2023 by Odin Studios