Need Suggestions on Escape Proofing My Rubbermaid/sterilite

**Surge** · 07-10-2010, 04:46 PM

I have a uromastyx enclosure consisting of a 36 gallon sterilite. I have had it for 3 days, and the lizard has gotten out twice. I have no idea how hes climbing out, but he is. I need somehow to set up the top of the sterilite so that he can't climb out... any suggestions?

**kronik070** · 07-10-2010, 04:55 PM

are you leaving the top of the enclosure open?

you could try A) putting a strip of box tape around the of the enclosure as it is very slick(what i do to contain oraches)

B) you can also cut the center section of the lid out and hot glue/fasten some screen to it.

maybe a photo would help.
\

good luck

**Surge** · 07-10-2010, 05:04 PM

I don't have the lid, I got the container from a friend, and I don't think he had the lid... so I can't do anything with that...

**murrindindi** · 07-10-2010, 05:08 PM

You can`t control the temps or humidity without a lid, even a piece of plywood or plexiglass will work, you will need to cut a hole out for the heat/light lamp, what type of lamp is it?

**Surge** · 07-10-2010, 05:12 PM

A piece of wood surrounded by a 120 degree heat lamp of all metal construction?

**murrindindi** · 07-10-2010, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by Surge

A piece of wood surrounded by a 120 degree heat lamp of all metal construction?

How deep is the container? Is the 120f you speak of the basking temp on the ground, NOT the air temp?

**jeepguy** · 07-10-2010, 05:16 PM

Depending on the plywood it should not ignite until 400-500F.

**Surge** · 07-10-2010, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by murrindindi

How deep is the container? Is the 120f you speak of the basking temp on the ground, NOT the air temp?

Correct, as well as the temperature around the light itself.

I would estimate it is 1.2 feet high.

**Surge** · 07-10-2010, 05:29 PM

so I ripped a screen off of an old screen patio door I had outside. Do you think I can use that? I figured it's not flamable due to it being used for outdoor patios...

**murrindindi** · 07-10-2010, 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by Surge

Correct, as well as the temperature around the light itself.

I would estimate it is 1.2 feet high.

If you used 3/4inch plywood, sealed with a few coats of polycrilic, or plexiglass with a hole cut out for the lamp it should be perfectly safe, how else can you stop the lizard escaping from this enclosure, you really need a purpose built tank, but of course the present one needs to be made escape proof just for now. Edit: once the top is covered the temps will stabilise and you will probably need a lower wattage bulb. Are you using a digital hygometer to measure the temps and humidity?