Quigs
02-15-2005, 07:51 PM
This is not a new idea nor was it mine. But I figured I'd post about it alone with a couple pics of mine for future reference.
I realize others (including Alex) use plastic trash cans to keep 1000's of crickets in. Although, I'm sure it works great, I wanted something a little different and easier to get into the bottom of.
I started out with a 33 gallon storage container. This one happens to be some type of off brand from Value City or Big Lots or similiar type of discount department store.
Then bought some aluminum "insect screening" from Home Depot. (Found in the window and door department).
Cut a large portion of the lid out with a sharp utility knife but be sure to leave enough "meat" of the lid for strength and durability.
Next take your sharp knife and cut a piece of the screen just slightly larger than your opening in the lid. I left approximately 2 inches all the way around, more than the opening itself.
With a glue gun, I tacked the screen in place on the inside of the lid at a few points. Then I went back and put a bead of glue all the way around, pulling it tight as I went.
It turned out great and for about $10. It's easily dumped out and hosed down for cleaning. The wide open "mouth" of the storage container makes it very easy to dump the 1000 count cricket boxes into, without having escapees. It can be bumped, kicked and moved easily without fear of breaking. And it's a whole lot less expensive than an aquarium and screened top of the same size!
These aren't the best pics but you'll get the idea...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v421/Quigs/odd%20and%20ends/100_0254.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v421/Quigs/odd%20and%20ends/100_0258.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v421/Quigs/odd%20and%20ends/100_0260.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v421/Quigs/odd%20and%20ends/100_0262.jpg
Thanks for looking!
In hind sight, I wish I had taken some pics as I was actually putting it all together, but I didn't...maybe next time?!
Quigs
I realize others (including Alex) use plastic trash cans to keep 1000's of crickets in. Although, I'm sure it works great, I wanted something a little different and easier to get into the bottom of.
I started out with a 33 gallon storage container. This one happens to be some type of off brand from Value City or Big Lots or similiar type of discount department store.
Then bought some aluminum "insect screening" from Home Depot. (Found in the window and door department).
Cut a large portion of the lid out with a sharp utility knife but be sure to leave enough "meat" of the lid for strength and durability.
Next take your sharp knife and cut a piece of the screen just slightly larger than your opening in the lid. I left approximately 2 inches all the way around, more than the opening itself.
With a glue gun, I tacked the screen in place on the inside of the lid at a few points. Then I went back and put a bead of glue all the way around, pulling it tight as I went.
It turned out great and for about $10. It's easily dumped out and hosed down for cleaning. The wide open "mouth" of the storage container makes it very easy to dump the 1000 count cricket boxes into, without having escapees. It can be bumped, kicked and moved easily without fear of breaking. And it's a whole lot less expensive than an aquarium and screened top of the same size!
These aren't the best pics but you'll get the idea...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v421/Quigs/odd%20and%20ends/100_0254.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v421/Quigs/odd%20and%20ends/100_0258.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v421/Quigs/odd%20and%20ends/100_0260.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v421/Quigs/odd%20and%20ends/100_0262.jpg
Thanks for looking!
In hind sight, I wish I had taken some pics as I was actually putting it all together, but I didn't...maybe next time?!
Quigs