Hole in screen

[GarterNovice]

So I went to check on my boys this evening and someone tore a hole in the screen lid of their terrarium. Thankfully my light hood is over it so no one can escape at the moment but I'm curious if there is any way to patch the hole or do I need to get a new lid? If I do it might pose a problem as I have a tank very similar to the Zilla enclosures where the lid slides into place and has two clasps on the back to hold it in place. Can these be bought separate from the tank itself? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Snake lover 3-25]

um i bet you could patch it by pitting 2 pieces of whatever you can find and pasting one to the top and the other on the bottom:)

[guidofatherof5]

Take piece of old screen and sew it onto the other screen. Hot glue also works but you should put it on thick. Since it's where it won't be seen, appearance might not be as important.

[GarterNovice]

I'll have to try that. It's kind of dumb that the pet stores around here don't sell replacement screens for those types of enclosures. And a regular screen won't fit on it of course. What a drag.

[mtolypetsupply]

I'd bet that if you contacted zilla direct, they could tell you where to get a replacement cover.

The best idea is Steve's, of "sewing" on a patch of screen, IMHO. I wouldn't want to chance the glue not holding.

[Sid]

I have patched small rips by simply sewing them back closed with a needle and thread.

[GarterNovice]

Well I can't sew but my wife can. I'll have to give that a shot. Just put the lamp back over it for now. It's way too heavy and hot for either of them to move. Plus it's flush with the screen so it'll do for a few till I can rectify the situation. Sent an e-mail to Zilla too. Hopefully I can get a full replacement on it.

[guidofatherof5]

I'll have to try that. It's kind of dumb that the pet stores around here don't sell replacement screens for those types of enclosures. And a regular screen won't fit on it of course. What a drag.

They make more money if the screen is specialized. Maybe even get to sell a new tank to you instead.

[GarterNovice]

I certainly hope not. I spent a lot of time getting that tank the way I want it. Time and money. If I have to buy a whole new enclosure I think I'll move up to one of the exo-terra ones. They're really growing on me.

[drache]

patching a screen is not that hard when aesthetics are not a consideration
you can staple a screen patch on - that way you don't have to worry about your material burning or melting off
if the hole is small enough, you might even be able to mend it with a stapler

[GarterNovice]

So I used some of your suggestions and made a temporary patch for my screen lid. Thank you all for the quick replies. That was a rather annoying way to end my day. Good news is I contacted Zilla and explained the situation and they are sending me a new lid free of charge! I was speechless when I saw the e-mail. That's what I call great customer service:)

[drache]

that is very nice of them

[guidofatherof5]

Great news. Very nice customer service.