If anyone remembers, I had posted a while ago asking about how to modify a screen so that I could fit everything where it needed to go, etc. I got lots of advice, mainly that the screen would sort of flop once I started cutting. But, I figured, since I was going to get rid of it when I got new materials anyway, why not try it?
IT was a success!!
My screen is for a 55 gallon tank. It has a bar across the middle from front to back. On the right side, I cut a flap so that I can open the top by flopping the screen down over the front of the tank. This allows the filter to hang on the back (couldn't before with a top on the tank). I also cut a tiny hole to clamp my heat lamp onto, AND a large hole directly under the heat lamp, over the basking area. Now, the heat lamp clamps right onto the tank in a sturdy fashion. The screen does not absorb any of the heat. The turts have DEFINITELY been basking more often!! GO MY LITTLE MUNSTERS, GO!
On the left side of the tank, I cut out most of the area under the UVB lamp. Now, the light it goes directly into the water with no screen blocking it. I repeated the same thing with the heat lamp over their second basking rock.
The ONLY problem that I can see happening (hasn't yet) is that the flap will eventually soften up and fall into the water. Right now, I can "close it" by flapping it over the tank and resting it atop the filter. But I have a solution for this!!! You know those report covers you can buy at stationary stores? For school reports? They have clear covers, and little plastic things to slide your papers into. I'm going to get two of those. And slide each end of the screen into the plastic thing. This will keep it straight and taut.
I will post pix when I get my behind around to it (where is the camera? where are my car keys? credit cards? sicne Xmas, the house has been a MESS). But I had to share my excitement.
