How to Replace the Mesh Screen Lid on a Front-Opening Terrarium

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the mesh screen in the lid of Exo Terra Front-Opening Large Low Terrarium. The mesh screen in a terrarium lid is essential to support heating and lighting fixtures, maintain climate, and keeps pets from getting in or out. Replacing a whole lid is expensive and it's difficult to find the exact model, so replacing the mesh is a good alternative.

CAUTION: This project involves working with sharp materials. Use caution when handling to prevent injury.

What you need

Step 1 Mesh Screen Lid

How to Replace the Mesh Screen Lid on a Front-Opening Terrarium, Mesh Screen Lid: step 1, image 1 of 1

Spline roller:
We will use "Side A" (circled Red) to refer to the side with the outward-curved edge
We will use "Side B" (circled Orange) to refer to the side with a groove.
If you have an animal in your terrarium, carefully remove it and turn off any heat sources.

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Step 2

Turn each semi-circle lock on the lid so the straight edge is parallel to the terrarium.
Lift the lid straight up and off of the terrarium.

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Step 3

Pull out the spline from the frame of the lid.
Carefully remove the damaged mesh.

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Step 4

On a flat surface, roll out your new mesh and place your terrarium lid on top of it.
Cut the mesh using the lid frame as an outline, leaving one inch of extra material on each side.

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Step 5

Flip the mesh material and the lid frame so that the mesh is now on top of the frame.
Using Side A of the spline roller, press the mesh into the frame without the spline.
Line the frame with the spline and use Side B of the spline roller to press it in again.