How Do I Plug This Up?

[Canvasrox]

I thought that might get your attention...*snerk*

I bought this SWEET viv off CList for $100. It's nearly perfect! BUT.. along the bottom in the back there is a space ranging from 1/4" to nearly 1/2" where the crickets can go and hide.

How can I plug this up? This is the only viv I have for the girls - so I can't keep them out for TOO awfully long without getting them chilled - kwim?

As always, the thoughts and advice of the collective are GREATLY appreciated!

The whole sweet herp pad

Dixie says HOWDY while Trixie looks on! Teehee!

 

[DoubleJ]

Hmm, maybe tiles? if they are thick enough they may cover the gap and if they fit close enough together you wouldn't need to grout them.

 

[dragonxxxx]

what type of material are the rocks , are they real rocks or some other material. if they can be leveled on the bottom ( by sanding) they would lay flatter and snugger. if the material is to hard and can't be sanded try weather stripping like for the bottom of doors, it comes in various widths so you should find something that will fit. or you can get the rubber that goes around glass, it will have a grove in it but that shouldn't be a problem. or just feed them in another enclosure

 

[gtramontelli]

I'd just put a bead of silicone down there. You will not be able to use it for a while during the curing process but it's probably the cheapest and fastest way to go.

 

[dragonxxxx]

silicone is good , but you won't be able to move the rocks, and if you do you'd have to reseal it and wait for it to dry again

 

[Canvasrox]

The back is constructed of one piece that's been made to look like a rock wall, and screwed into the back. I didn't make it. I don't know why they wouldn't have made the bottom flush. OH WELL...

I bought tiles today at Home Depot (that place is like a CANDY store for me!) and I'll show you the results later.

Off to get the kids from school, soccer, homework, blah, blah, blitty blah.

 

[Twobeardieguy]

Expanding foam works good. :wink:

 

[Canvasrox]

Hey Lance! I honestly DID think about that - but didn't know how it would affect my girls - and as I only have the one viv, they can't be out of it for too long...have you done it? Tips and tricks please if you have!

Ok. Here's what I did - it's a quick fix for now, but those little crickets sure can't get underneath now!

The two sizes of tile I used

The larger size

The final result - well, part of it anyhoo...

As always - comments and advice are welcome!

 

[dragonxxxx]

that looks like it would work, is there any way to put the tiles ( maybe make smaller) so it looks more natural, and more fitted.

 

[Canvasrox]

that looks like it would work, is there any way to put the tiles ( maybe make smaller) so it looks more natural, and more fitted.

Yes - I'm sure I can make them more fitted. I just wanted to get them in there so I could feed my girls without having 1/2 the crickets disappear behind the wall.

So - for now it's working. If I can confirm that the foam won't hurt them, I think that's my best bet!

 

[Twobeardieguy]

I have used it before and all was fine just make sure to trim the extra away that way they cant scratch it off and ingest any. And you could always seal it to. Hope that helped.

 

[dragonxxxx]

the only problem with foam and silacone is it's more permanent, you wouldn't be able to just move things around, and every time you did you would have to reseal. plus at least once or twice a month you want to take everything out of your tank for a thorough cleaning, the sealers would make that difficult