[Guest]

Hello everyone. I looked in the search part of this forum but I couldnt find what I was looking for. I am getting 2 auratus df's for my new terrarium. I have everything except a lid. What would be the best lid to use? All glass or half screen half glass?I am also going to be using a humidifier later on so how would that work out with screen? Who in here uses the humidifier and how do you like it?. Thanks

 

[bradadams]

A full glass lid is great for keeping the humidity up but not so great for keeping the terrarium from fogging up. I use a small section of screen near the front of my terrariums and it really helps with the fogging.

 

[Blort]

Brad,

Try this topic:

http://www.dendroboard.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5450

Basically here are your requirements:
1. Allows light to pass through (up to you if its UV or not)
2. Allows for some sort of access (usually means two parts)
3. Allows whatever ventilation you want
4. Allows cords and plumbing in and out if required
5. Weight bearing if you will put light or other stuff directly on top of it

Glass
Pros:
Pretty easy to get custom cut
Doesn't warp or bend
Holds in moisture well
Cons:
Can break
Doesn't pass UV light (unless you get quartz $$$$)
Hard to drill for cords, etc

Acrylic Plexiglas, Acrylite (etc)
Pros:
Pretty easy to get custom cut
Easy to drill
Holds in moisture well
Can be UV transmitting
Cons:
Can warp or bend
Pretty hard to get scratches out
Can yellow or age
May be harder to find

Screen
Pros:
Easy to make yourself
Allows great ventilation
Passes some UV through
Cons:
Probably not enough moisture retention (some use saran wrap to help)
Not very load bearing
True FF proof screen can be expensive or hard to find

It seems most use either all glass cut in sections to allow access, glass and screen, or acrylic and screen.

You can see what I did in the thread above.

Best,

Marcos

 

[KeroKero]

I've used everything from completely screen tops to completely glass tops. The biggest thing I try and work with is getting as much ventilation as I can which still getting the humidity that the species/morph likes (some like it very wet, some like it drier).

This generally requires some playing around (depends on the humidity in the room and what humidity you are going for). You also have to consider ventilation with the plants you have, some need higher ventilation (at the same time, high humidity) than others.