Is there an easy way to cut egg crate?

[Lady Hobbs]

There are many plants that can be above a fish tank and grow emersed. Dracena, Philadendrions, arrowhead, pothos, dieffenbachia, several ivys.....etc. My problem has been finding something to use over the tank to hold these plants out of the water and egg crate is all I've been able to think of. But I know it will be a bear to try to cut holes in it that are larger.

So, I either need a better idea of something I can use or an easy way to cut holes in egg crate. There has got to be something that would work well for this but my mind is drawing a blank.

[Lady Hobbs]

Here we go. But buying 20 of these would not be to my liking at 3 @ $15.

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[Cassandra]

oh wow thats expensive!!

Here goes a dumb question...the holes in the egg crate are drain holes? I'm just trying to get an idea of what you are talking about using egg crate for plants suspended above the water in your tank. Are you talking about growing seedlings?

[Lady Hobbs]

No. Spider plants, for instance, grow well with just the roots in the water as do the others I mentioned in my first post. I simply want something over my tank (or in it) so I can put these plants in so they subspend over the tank with only the roots in the water. I think the egg crate will look stupid, tho.

Those little pots are ripariums pots but man, they cost too much for this kid.

[Cassandra]

I see...I'll keep thinking about it and get back to you if I think of something else you can use. If you use the egg crates how are you planning on attaching it to the tank?

[MCools]

What about a cooling rack? It would be low profile and sit on the top of the tank, and if you need a larger opening you could snip( the# kind) or bend the wire (the || kind). There would be enough surrounding support to keep leaves and vines out of the water. It wouldn't be too noticeable from across the room, either.

[Lady Hobbs]

Now that's an idea, too, and would look better than ugly egg crate. To get it the right size would be a challenge but definately another option. Thank You.

[travelgirl]

Could you modify this to make it work for you?
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*edited to add:
This one is fairly expensive, but I know I've seen similar things at Walmart and at the Dollar store for less $$.

[Northernguy]

You need some good shears to cut the eggcrate one slat at a time.
I like this set up.I borrowed it from Aquaria Central.
For the sides just cut long narrow pieces and use some nylon zip ties to hold it together.It should stay together quite well if the ties are pulled tight enough.You can get a bag of them at the buck store.
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[Lady Hobbs]

travelgirl.......

Sure don't know why not it wouldn't work.

Before I'd buy those little pots in my picture, I'd have to use my thinking cap. Maybe get some plastic tubes, cut them to size and drill a couple holes in the sides and glue some suction cups to them. Just stick the plants in the top.
I've got a ton of houseplants so need to find something on-the-cheap.

Thanks for your idea. I'll look around for them.

Northernguy......think I might have gone back to the egg crate idea. LOL

[Trillianne]

Couple thoughts of things to look at....

Do a search for "Tub Soap Caddy" and I know you will find some that are meant to hang on the sides, as well as expandable tray type ones that are meant to rest on the sides with the basket part hanging into the tub (which in your case would be aquarium.

They might also be found under something like "kids bath storage caddy" It would still probably be in the $15-$20 range for that style but you pick up a whole side of plant space on your tank.

You might also try looking at some plastic pots from the garden center that would fit, and then affix them to your tank with either a suction cup or a pair of strong magnets. (You can get a 12 pack of 4" pots off amazon for like $6) Just be sure to cover your magnets with something to keep them from scratching.

And if your plants are small... would those little black plastic pots that aquatic plants come in from the store make a good basket base?

[Scrup]

I got mine at a hardware store, they are made to go in your kitchen sink/bathroom to hold sponges. It is the EXACT same thing, and you can get a shape that works. I have three at home I got just a few days ago, like $1.50-$4.00 each. You could easily use some polybatting, or just buy some screen to hold the substrate in, plus they come in lots of shapes and sizes.

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As far as cutting eggcrate, I dont.

I use pliers and twist the tabs. They snap right off. Just go down a line snapping one at a time. Goes pretty fast once you get the hang of it. Wear eye protection though, some of em go flying.

[lngtall1]

I have been thinking about holding small pots in those over the overhanging cup holders that people hang on their doors of their cars. They would hold small pots.

[smaug]

The trick to cutting egg crate is the use of side cutting wire cutters. They make it easy and allows the crate to be cut in most any shape. Just nip each web close to where it joins.

[dbosman]

I have used flush cutting or sprue cutting pliers.
Diamond Tools - SS58FP or SS57FP
A faster method is a band saw.

Personally, having experienced both of the above, I purchase the holey soap/sponge cups at Walmart, and swap the suction cups with Turtle dock suction cups. Those last longer than a couple of weeks.

[Lady Hobbs]

Suction cups are a bit of a concern so would definately have to upgrade them. Even the heater suction cups stink and won't hold the heater in place after awhile and a plant is heavier.

[850R]

The trick to cutting egg crate is the use of side cutting wire cutters. They make it easy and allows the crate to be cut in most any shape. Just nip each web close to where it joins.+1
Yep, It's not especially quick at first, But it works.

[gadget228]

These magnets work great at replacing suction cups and I use them to keep my heaters in place, they come with different clips to hold a variety of things, just wish they were cheaper in price.

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