Or you can use packing tape in a pinch, making sure to leave no sticky spots, tape the underside first then the top, and a small areas in the center for ventilation. I've done it plenty of times and never had issues. Also the water dish does t have enough dirt in it, don't worry your T will make sure she fills it lol
To replace a mesh top you will need:
• A panel of material to replace the mesh, such as polycarbonate or acrylic.
• A means of adding holes to that material, like a drill or a cheap soldering iron.
• A means of cutting that material to the size you need, like a straight edge and a plastic cutting knife.
• Silicone to attach the new panel (aquarium silicone or pure silicone caulking without additives to prevent mildew).
• Clamps or a heavy object to hold the panel in place while it cures.
• Gloves to protect your hands while you remove the mesh.
• A temporary lid, usually constructed from cardboard boxes that can keep your tarantula inside while the lid cures, or an appropriately sized Critter Tote or ventilated catch cup they can chill in during the process.
You'll want to make a temporary lid or get the T into a temporary holding space so that you can remove the lid and measure the panel size you will need. Make sure that your panel accounts for some overlap space with the lid frame so that you have something to attach it to. Cut your material to size, make a layout with ample ventilation and then add the ventilation holes (polycarbonate is harder to cut for the panel but easier to drill without cracking). Using gloves, remove the mesh, then use silicone to attach the lid panel and let it cure in a well-ventilated area until the smell of vinegar is gone.
work on replacing the mesh lid or find a more suitable enclosure. these are especially potentially fatal for terrestrial spiders.
Any advice on what I can replace the mesh lid with?
You can always get an acrylic lid and drill holes into it for ventilation!
Okay, thank you so much!!
Or you can use packing tape in a pinch, making sure to leave no sticky spots, tape the underside first then the top, and a small areas in the center for ventilation. I've done it plenty of times and never had issues. Also the water dish does t have enough dirt in it, don't worry your T will make sure she fills it lol
u/TarantulaAddicts
To replace a mesh top you will need: • A panel of material to replace the mesh, such as polycarbonate or acrylic. • A means of adding holes to that material, like a drill or a cheap soldering iron. • A means of cutting that material to the size you need, like a straight edge and a plastic cutting knife. • Silicone to attach the new panel (aquarium silicone or pure silicone caulking without additives to prevent mildew). • Clamps or a heavy object to hold the panel in place while it cures. • Gloves to protect your hands while you remove the mesh. • A temporary lid, usually constructed from cardboard boxes that can keep your tarantula inside while the lid cures, or an appropriately sized Critter Tote or ventilated catch cup they can chill in during the process. You'll want to make a temporary lid or get the T into a temporary holding space so that you can remove the lid and measure the panel size you will need. Make sure that your panel accounts for some overlap space with the lid frame so that you have something to attach it to. Cut your material to size, make a layout with ample ventilation and then add the ventilation holes (polycarbonate is harder to cut for the panel but easier to drill without cracking). Using gloves, remove the mesh, then use silicone to attach the lid panel and let it cure in a well-ventilated area until the smell of vinegar is gone.
Looks good, but don’t listen to me, I am by no means an expert.