Solving the Lid Crisis: A No-Frills Guide to Conquering Terrarium coverages (sic)
Exploring Terrarium Lid Choices: Discovering Glass, Cork, and Customized Alternatives
Welcome back, creative horticulturists! In pursuit of thrifty terrarium objectives, a dilemma surfaces time and again.
Container lids that perfectly snuggle pre-existing vessels are a rare bird in the wild. Open terrariums may seem inviting, but hey, even I know that closed terrariums are an absolute blast.
We've compiled comprehensive strategies to seal the deal (pun intended) on the best terrarium coverings. So buckle up and let's dive into the thrilling world of DIY terrarium crafting!
Disclaimer: Our platform supports you by earning a commission on purchases made through links we provide. 💖
Custom Terrarium Lids: Crafted for Lidless Containers
You're roaming about Ikea, meandering through the maze-like maze, and the glorious aroma of Swedish meatballs lies within reach. Suddenly, there she is: a monstrous, gleaming glass behemoth, going for just $10.
The ideal new terrarium case?
But alas, its transparency hides a flaw: no lid.
Empty your pockets, grab your arsenal, and here are a few fantastic approach methods to help you vanquish your lidless container once and for all:
I. Acrylic/Plexiglass
Hear ye, hear ye, for the multifunctional marvel to rule them all and my personally-sworn-by solution for lidless terrarium containers!
Acrylic, or when our European friends call it Plexiglass, is transparent, a cinch to clean, and easily available.
If your container opens circularly, you can fish out one of these from this acrylic vendor on Etsy.
Should your vessel prefer rectangular or square design, you'll need to dig a bit deeper to uncover the perfect match, but there's a multitude of options to peruse on Etsy.
II. Cork Plug
Embrace the rustic vibes, as a major cork stopper is a fabulous option for containers adorning a circular opening.
These lovely plugs are wider on top and narrower at the bottom, guaranteeing a range of suitability for opening sizes - no need to be uber precise with other lid shapes!
👉 Give them a gander on Etsy.
Just beware of the reduced light permeation, as you might need to move your piece closer to the light source or adjacent to a grow light.
Or channel your inner minimalist with some of our low-light terrarium plant picks for light-sensitive greens.
III. Saran Wrap
Don't underestimate the humble kitchen staple that is cling wrap (or saran wrap to the Americans among us).
It's far from perfect, but it's an excellent solution whenever transparency isn't crucial.
And despite what you might think, with careful stretching and trimming, it can look presentable. Neat, right?
The main drawbacks: it does accumulate dust in a hurry and if you ever need to take it off, odds are it will shred, necessitating a fresh piece and new application every time.
DIY Terrarium Lid Creation
Ever the project enthusiast, you've likely noticed that crafting an acrylic lid is a walk in the park – provided the necessary tools are at your disposal.
Acrylic is an inexpensive and manageable material, but purchasing a vice and a saw can add up to quite a hefty sum (over $100), so this method is only doable if you're kit-equipped already.
Lids for Bioactive Terrariums and Animal Vivariums
All domesticated creatures have varying needs and preferences, so keep the following considerations in mind when outfitting your enclosure:
- Your pets need adequate ventilation and airflow.
- Depending on the critter and layout, you might need simple access for cleaning and feeding purposes.
- You want to prevent escapees wreaking havoc in your domicile.
Each critter has personal preferences, so be sure to do some homework on your chosen pet.
Animal Cleanup Crews
If your crew consists exclusively of isopods, you have two options. The first is to do without ventilation (as long as there's ample maintenance) or add a fine mesh to ventilation holes to ensure you don't welcome any unintended escapees.
Conversely, springtails necessitate no ventilation at all and might thrive with a loose-fitting acrylic lid.
Custom vendors such as the one mentioned earlier can add holes in for a minimal $1 if you're working with small terrariums that house pets or isopods.
Larger Terrarium Animals
Fur and scaly creatures naturally require more room to stretch out.
As a result, you'll be looking for something bigger to seal your container, or perhaps a lid mechanism that secures your container.
What about ready-made vivarium tank lids available for purchase? They sport plenty of decent options, such as sliding lids, if you fancy something a bit more avant-garde.
👉 Stroll through Amazon's vivarium lid options to make your selection.
Pre-Made Terrarium Containers with Lids
I. Cloche Dome
This elegant cloche dome from NCYP Garden on Etsy catches the eye with its charm and impressive affordability, coming in under a mere $20!
Whisper it: there's no better way to close your terrarium than with a lid that encloses the entire artistically crafted piece!
II. Hinged Wardian Case
Ah, the modish concoction of heritage and modernity! H Potter's wardian case is inspired by the iconic histories of yesteryear's terrariums and sets itself apart as a contemporary embodiment of glassworking art.
Though the price is steeper than the other options, its artistry is well worth the investment.
III. Wooden Ball Lid
This oh-so-stylish wooden sphere lid from CYS EXCEL is an enchanting addition to any abode. It uses a majestic wooden orb to secure the opening, all for a smidge under $35.
The only downside? The narrow openings may pose a challenge when it comes to choosing plants – but don't let that stop you!
There you have it – a grand scale exploration of the quest for the perfect terrarium lid.
May your expertise lead the way, and if you come across more suitable options, spill the beans in the comments below!
And with the lid sorted, why not browse our terrarium supplies online to ensure you're fully geared up to start planting?
Till next time, cherished gardener! 💖
- Incorporating a custom terrarium lid can transform a lidless container, offering an excellent solution found on Etsy, where you can find acrylic lids for circular openings and various options for rectangular or square containers.
- For those seeking a rustic, eco-friendly terrarium lid, cork plugs are a fantastic option for containers with circular openings, available on Etsy, with a range of sizes to fit different opening diameters.
