Plexi-Glass Covers

[Evilwezal]

Yesterday I went to the local lumberyard and had them cut 2 plexiglass covers for my Vivarium Tank. I forgot to have them drill some air holes into it,so I put some metal tabs I had in between the plexi and the lip of the tank braces. The space is about 1/8th of a inch wide. Should that be sufficient or should I drill some air holes into the plexi? I'm worried I will crack the glass since I have already took off the protective film.

I've also noticed since I installed the glass covers I'm retaining moisture very well and the sides of the tank will fog over and I get a rain effect off the top covers. I was thinking of drilling some small holes and attaching a computer fan to vent the air at the back of the plexi covers. Any Ideas or Suggestions? Im keeping FBT's in a water/land setup.

[onefstsnake]

Id be more worried about the plants. My FBT's seem fine with humidity from 65% to 99% lol.

instead of drilling holes or mounting fans why not just open the top every now and then to let some fresh air in?

[froggsong]

I have never had any problem drilling holes in plexi. I generally use the thin stuff, but I have never had any cracking from it. I use a small bit, and go slowly. Be careful and wear protective eye wear and possibly gloves (and maybe even long sleeves) because the heat of the bit will melt the plexi and send molten bits of it flying.

I agree with onefstsnake, I would be more worried about your plants rotting. Anything that will grow underwater will be fine in the environment you currently have, but other plants will likely be too wet and will rot and die. I had that happen in my frog tank to a couple of plants.

Another thing to think about is: Is the lid heavy enough that the FBTs cannot climb to the top and push it up enough to escape? They are very accomplished climbers...

Just a few holes around the perimeter should be good enough.

[Green Ghost]

Originally Posted by Evilwezal

...should I drill some air holes into the plexi? I'm worried I will crack the glass since I have already took off the protective film.

I've also noticed since I installed the glass covers I'm retaining moisture very well and the sides of the tank will fog over and I get a rain effect off the top covers. I was thinking of drilling some small holes and attaching a computer fan to vent the air at the back of the plexi covers. Any Ideas or Suggestions? Im keeping FBT's in a water/land setup.

Plexi will crack depending on what drill bit you use and how you drill it. The safest way is to sandwich the plexiglass between two thin pieces of wood and apply pressure to the wood while you drill (or have someone press down while you drill). I use clamps. I'd suggest a new bit because a dull bit will catch and then lift and crack the plexi before you can stop the drill. I use a powerfull cordless (36v) and a high speed steel bit. The trick is not to push down too hard while you drill. If you can, practice on a spare piece first. If you go too slow the drill bit will catch in the plexi and if you go too fast it will melt the plexi instead of cutting it. The larger diameter bit that you use, the more likely it is to crack.

If I could make a suggestion, I'd say get a pair of computer fans and cut a square the size of both fans in the plexi, cover the square hole with nylon (or whatever kind of plastic it's made of) mosquito netting and put the fans over the opening blowing air in. Since it's a paludarium, your frogs can go in the water if they need too get more moisture. If you want to have more humitidy you could move the fans and cover the opening.

You can also use the fans to blow air between both of your pieces of plexiglass. I do this with my sliding glass top and it avoids having to make holes or openings in the top.

[Evilwezal]

Good Ideas. Thanks guys. I'll have to see what I can come up with.

[JohnEDove]

If you have an old Wood Burning set or one of those cheap hand held electric soldering irons they work super great for melting holes in plexi.

[Evilwezal]

I used a Soldering Iron I got at walmart for cheap. I made 9 holes in each section. Hopefully that will help.