Marthas new digs.......... (The build begins)

[mark cope]

Hello peeps,
Me and Joe started building Marthas new viv today.
I stopped off at B&Q and picked the timber and bits

The good thing about B&Q is that they will give you 15 cuts for free, so I got it all cut to size there.
Got some other goodies too vent,backing film, etc

.
First up lining the sides
I used double sided tape to fix the backing film
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_04200007.jpg
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_04200008.jpg
.
Before I line the back I want to cut out all the openings.....And here I would appreciate your opinions,I didn't know the vents were as big as thet are when I ordered them,and now I'm wondering if I need to use both ...have a look at the pics below and let me know which you think is the best lay out for them.
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_04200006.jpg
A single vent in the middle
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_04200005.jpg
Two vents,one above the other
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_04200004.jpg
two vents,staggered
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_04200010.jpg
A vent each end on edge
So there you are, which way do you reckon?....or if you can think of anything else
As always your advice and expertise is welcome
Mark and Joe

[EasternGirl]

Tape is a "no no" in garter enclosures. We have had some incidences of garters getting caught on tape and ripping off skin and the wounds ending up proving fatal for the snake. They can also get tongues ripped off and all kinds of terrible things if they manage to somehow come in contact with the tape. I would recommend using some sort of glue for the backing film. Looks like you are off to a really nice start though, Mark. Wish I could give you advice for building...but my expertise ends with the backing film :D.

[mark cope]

Tape is a "no no" in garter enclosures. We have had some incidences of garters getting caught on tape and ripping off skin and the wounds ending up proving fatal for the snake. They can also get tongues ripped off and all kinds of terrible things if they manage to somehow come in contact with the tape. I would recommend using some sort of glue for the backing film. Looks like you are off to a really nice start though, Mark. Wish I could give you advice for building...but my expertise ends with the backing film :D.

She won't be able to get to the tape, there is clear tape around the edges, so she cant get to the D/S tape, and the clear tape will be secured by the top and bottom when I attach them....... besides if i tried to take backing film off it would probably destroy it.

[kibakiba]

Even so, they can and will find a way. There have been people that were 110% sure that the snake absolutely could not get to the tape, but it did.

[EasternGirl]

Yep...Mark, we always tell people, no tape at all inside garter enclosures. I had tape in one of my enclosures too...that I was sure they couldn't get too...the members made me remove it. Richard's snake found a way to get to some tape and died from the wounds it caused. If the tape should start to lift...which tape often does, and she gets under it, she could get her scales caught and rip them off...garter skin is delicate and it doesn't take much to do that. I think you might have to just get new backing film and start over...sorry to say. We just don't want anything to happen to Martha.

[mark cope]

The tape I used is carpet fitters tape so if I try to pull it off it will shred the backing film(which basically means binning everything and starting again) it is strong stuff, I believe it will grip the film well enough that the snake will never get behind the film, plus I have sealed the edges , plus when I put top, bottom and back on that will secure it even further.......but I'm heeding your advice and I'll check the viv every day and if I see the slightest sign that the backing film shows any sign of damage I'll make sure it's delt with immediately.

[kibakiba]

I would suggest starting again just for the sake of your snakes safety. Use rubber cement or something.

[Invisible Snake]

Good luck on your building project Mark! I wish I were good with my hands so I could build my snakes habitats.

[mark cope]

I would suggest starting again just for the sake of your snakes safety. Use rubber cement or something.

Bit pricey to be starting again ......But I have been thinking I will probably glue clear acrylic sheet over the backing film .....that should stop the film from ever lifting.

[guidofatherof5]

Don't trust that tape will hold. Tape on the inside of an enclosure is a disaster waiting to happen.
I don't recommend tape of any kind inside an enclosure. I almost lost a snake due to the fact I thought nothing could happen.
If it's in there a snake will find a way of getting to it.

[mark cope]

Ok peeps, I bow to your wisdom
Just tried pulling the backing film off
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/2012_04200011.jpg
Coming away pretty easy...so I will clean it up and re-attach it with glue:)
Mark

[guidofatherof5]

I think you've made a wise decision.;) Thanks

[mark cope]

Right .....It has taken about an hour......three Gin and Tonics ......and several bouts of foul language.....but they are off ...cleand up and waiting for glue
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_04200012.jpg

[kibakiba]

Good job.

[mark cope]

Good job.
Talking of glue you said Rubber cement ....not sure what that is ...can you give a brand name?

[kibakiba]

I only know it as "rubber cement" there are a few brands of it I'm sure. It's very important not to get yourself stuck to it though, too... But I think you can get it at either a craft or hardware store...

[mark cope]

I only know it as "rubber cement" there are a few brands of it I'm sure. It's very important not to get yourself stuck to it though, too... But I think you can get it at either a craft or hardware store...

what about P.V.A? is that any good?
just checked the interweb over here it's called copydex...will pick some up in the morning:)

[guidofatherof5]

Elmer's Rubber Cement (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=rubber+cement&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=17599305837525860391&sa=X&ei=Mu-RT8X-JYng2QWKi7mZBQ&ved=0CGAQ8wIwAg)

[chris-uk]

PVA should be fine.
If I understand what you have planned you will also hold the edges of the backing in place with the top and bottom of the viv, now you're using glue it seems like a good plan and there should be zero chance of the snakes getting behind the backing - unlike the 3d polystyrene backing that we have in our ExoTerra vivs.

[mark cope]

PVA should be fine.
If I understand what you have planned you will also hold the edges of the backing in place with the top and bottom of the viv, now you're using glue it seems like a good plan and there should be zero chance of the snakes getting behind the backing - unlike the 3d polystyrene backing that we have in our ExoTerra vivs.

Oh good,
got a load of P.V.A in the shed,..use it on some parts of building my model kits:)

[mark cope]

now that we have the backing film sorted out,
can anyone help with the layout of the vents?

[kibakiba]

Perhaps both in the middle, side by side?

[mark cope]

I was Advised you should have one high, one low, but I'm new to keeping snakes....so this is a learning process for me

[kibakiba]

I have top opening tanks with mesh tops, so I actually wouldn't know :/

[EasternGirl]

Oh Mark...I feel so bad that you had to go through all of that. I know how frustrated you must have been with us. I was on Skype talking to Steve earlier...and I was telling him that I felt so bad that you had done all that work and had to pull all the tape off and would probably ruin the backing film. I'm so glad you were able to salvage it...and that you took our advice. I remember how frustrated I was when I had to take all the tape out of Cee Cee's tank...but I am so glad I listened to my forum friends. We only want what is best for Martha. I'm sure you will make it look lovely with some glue. :) I have seen people put vents on either side of the enclosure...one on the right wall and one on the left...so that you get circulation on both sides.

[mark cope]

Oh Mark...I feel so bad that you had to go through all of that. I know how frustrated you must have been with us. I was on Skype talking to Steve earlier...and I was telling him that I felt so bad that you had done all that work and had to pull all the tape off and would probably ruin the backing film. I'm so glad you were able to salvage it...and that you took our advice. I remember how frustrated I was when I had to take all the tape out of Cee Cee's tank...but I am so glad I listened to my forum friends. We only want what is best for Martha. I'm sure you will make it look lovely with some glue. :) I have seen people put vents on either side of the enclosure...one on the right wall and one on the left...so that you get circulation on both sides.

No worries,
It's all sorted now, when wifey gets up me and Joe are off to get some glue and pinkies,Shuold have cabinet finished to-day just waiting for glass runners to get delivered then I can get glass cut, then move martha and the gubbins in

[Natrix]

Mark, Heres one I made from a converted HI-FI cabinet. The back is made from peg board and is completely ventilated top to bottom.;) 48024803

[mark cope]

Hello peeps
having fun here right now I'm using rubber cement to put the film on it's taken three attempts ......if you don't get it straight the first time and my first two goes were a little squiffy:)

[EasternGirl]

I use super glue for everything. Of course, I actually love using a hot glue gun but the one I had broke and I haven't gotten out to buy a new one yet. Those things are awesome. Once you buy one, you find you can use them for everything....and you find yourself finding things to glue just so you can use the hot glue gun! Good luck, Mark...keep us updated on the progress of the project...

[mark cope]

finally got the sides done ...now taking the kid to McDs, gonna tackle the back, when I get Back:)

[mark cope]

So it continues..got the the cabinet finished..:)
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_04220007.jpg
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_04220006.jpg
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_04220003.jpg
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_04220005.jpg
.
And in the background of this one you can see my little helper AKA Joe
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_04220004.jpg
so a bit of edging tape to tidy up screw holes and exposed edges and that's the unit finished,
also waiting on delivery of glass runners before I can get glass cut.
so that's where I'm up to
Mark and Joe

[guidofatherof5]

Looks great.
My only concern is with those vents.
I didn't see any screen mesh on it. Most snake will be able to escape and others will become stuck trying to escape.
If I'm not seeing it correctly I apologize.

[BUSHSNAKE]

looks nice!

[mark cope]

Looks great.
My only concern is with those vents.
I didn't see any screen mesh on it. Most snake will be able to escape and others will become stuck trying to escape.
If I'm not seeing it correctly I apologize.
If you look at the third pic at the vents the top one is the insect mesh before the face plate is put on the lower one is I/mesh and F/plate all on

[guidofatherof5]

Thanks. I see that now.
Not sure what size snake you are going to be getting but I would think there is an area between the mesh and the front of the vent that would be a hiding place for a small snake.
Just something to keep in mind.

Is Joe your inspector? Looks like he's keeping an eye on things.;)

[mark cope]

Thanks. I see that now.
Not sure what size snake you are going to be getting but I would think there is an area between the mesh and the front of the vent that would be a hiding place for a small snake.
Just something to keep in mind.

Is Joe your inspector? Looks like he's keeping an eye on things.;)
No gap face plate sits directly on the mesh and there is only 10mm from front of face plate to mesh:)
And no small snakes just Martha for the time being:)

[guidofatherof5]

No gap face plate sits directly on the mesh and there is only 10mm from front of face plate to mesh:)
And no small snakes just Martha for the time being:)

Looks like you've got the vent thing covered, literally and figuratively :D

[Natrix]

Looking good Mark, Way better than mine. ;) Note to self......... must try harder :D

[Invisible Snake]

Looking good!

[EasternGirl]

Looks wonderful Mark! Steve covered my only concern...the vents...which you said that you have mesh covering them so all is good. Joe is a cutie! I think Martha will love her new home! The backing film scenery looks great. :)

[mark cope]

Excellent News
Wifey has just phoned me and told me my glass runners have just been delivered...Yay
So I just ordered my glass which I can pick up tomorrow and also buy bigger Heat-mat ....should be able to move her in this weekend:)
Mark

[EasternGirl]

Sounds great, Mark! :)

[mark cope]

ok quick question I've put the heat mat in and secured the hardboard over it....I want to put some sealant around the edges ..can I use normal acrylic sealant or do I have to use one speacially for vivs?
Mark

[chris-uk]

ok quick question I've put the heat mat in and secured the hardboard over it....I want to put some sealant around the edges ..can I use normal acrylic sealant or do I have to use one speacially for vivs?
Mark

I think that you'll be okay as long as you let the sealer cure and ventilate well before putting any snakes in. Once the sealer is in place and dried its pretty much inert.

[mark cope]

I think that you'll be okay as long as you let the sealer cure and ventilate well before putting any snakes in. Once the sealer is in place and dried its pretty much inert.
Cheers Chris ,,,,Should i seal the hardboard with PVA??

[chris-uk]

Cheers Chris ,,,,Should i seal the hardboard with PVA??
I plan to seal everything on my first viv build.

[mark cope]

I plan to seal everything on my first viv build.
I have just put 3 coats of PVA on the hardboard, I'll run sealant on all the corners tomorrow.

[mark cope]

Right then peeps
On the home straight put the heat-mat in secured a piece of hardboard over the top of it
sealed the hardboard with 3 coats of PVA ...then run a bead of sealant around all the internal corners
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_04280019.jpg
.
Then put on the glass runners, Handles and installed the glass.
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_04280022.jpg
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_04280020.jpg
.
Next stop furnish and move Martha in:)
Mark

[guidofatherof5]

Looks good Mark.

[mark cope]

Looks good Mark.
Thanks Steve ...I am really pleased with myself at the moment ............I am definatley in Smug mode:)

[EasternGirl]

Looking great, Mark! Martha should love her new home! :) A job well done.

[Natrix]

Well done Mark, Looks Great mate! :D

[chris-uk]

I'd be chuffed if I'd built that. Nice work.

[katach]

That looks amazing! Great work!

[Thamnophis]

Very fine looking terrarium. Compliments!

[EasternGirl]

I am taking it that "chuffed" means a good thing...lol. It sounds like it means something negative. "He was chuffed because he dropped his coffee" or "His leg was all sore and chuffed". :D

Here's a little American slang for you...Dude, that is so seriously sweet. I would be totally stoked if I made that. Kudos, man. That's killer. :D

[mark cope]

Thanks peeps,
will post up some pics of it fully set up ,first we have to re-arrange Joes room a bit:)

[mark cope]

Added a few bits
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_05120003.jpg
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_05120005.jpg
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_05120004.jpg
.
Will be adding more bits, as she can take up residence ia a few days:)
Mark

[EasternGirl]

That looks absolutely lovely Mark! She is really going to love it. Is there any way that you could tell me the dimensions of the enclosure in inches? I'm not good with getting a visual idea of the dimensions of something based on centimeters since I am used to dealing in inches. I just wanted to know because it looks like she will have a good deal of space in there. I am feeling like my enclosure for Cee Cee, my biggest female, is starting to get a bit too small for her. I think I might have to start thinking about going bigger...especially now that she is getting a roomie.

[Invisible Snake]

Wow Mark you did a fantastic job! You should go into business making custom made vivs for people :)

[mark cope]

That looks absolutely lovely Mark! She is really going to love it. Is there any way that you could tell me the dimensions of the enclosure in inches? I'm not good with getting a visual idea of the dimensions of something based on centimeters since I am used to dealing in inches. I just wanted to know because it looks like she will have a good deal of space in there. I am feeling like my enclosure for Cee Cee, my biggest female, is starting to get a bit too small for her. I think I might have to start thinking about going bigger...especially now that she is getting a roomie.

The dimensions are 16"(h)x32"(l)x23"(d)
I will post a pic tomorrow so you can see her current viv and this viv ,compared

[mark cope]

Right a quick comparison pic
The viv on top is Neos,....Marthas is the same.
So you can see the upgrade she is getting
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/2012_05130008.jpg
.
Mark

[guidofatherof5]

An upgrade she will enjoy.

[EasternGirl]

Wow...nice upgrade! And that is a good amount of space. She will really love her new home! Thanks for the dimension info.

[mark cope]

She is Mite free ...so gonna move her in later today.........( 1:00 am right now here)
will post pics when I do
Mark

[mark cope]

So some pics:)
First a quick snack
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_05160003.jpg

Then let her have a nose around
Checking the top of the branch
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_05130004.jpg

Checking under the branch
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_05130003.jpg

Checking the greenery
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_05130009.jpg

Finally checking the new hide
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_05130001.jpg

So there you go,
Next project is to build something the same,but a bit smaller for Neo.
Mark

[EasternGirl]

Looks like she's having a good time in there! And she has so much space! Great job, Mark! It really looks lovely.

[chris-uk]

Looks good Mark. Where did you get most of the greenery? Is it "reptile-specific" or have you found somewhere that has good fake plants that aren't sold at inflated prices?

[guidofatherof5]

Looks good. Food going in is a great thing.

[mark cope]

Looks good Mark. Where did you get most of the greenery? Is it "reptile-specific" or have you found somewhere that has good fake plants that aren't sold at inflated prices?

Some from petshop £4 each (above the branch and the one she is peeking out of.......Think they are Zoo-Med)
Some from poundshop £2 each

[katach]

Looks great!

[mark cope]

Looks great!
Thanks I'm dead pleased with myself:)

[Dan72]

WOW:eek::eek::eek:!!! That is great. Good job, I want to move in....:rolleyes:. The "branch" you refer to in a few pics, is that real or made to look real? If real was that a lucky find or was it purchased, and if its made to look real and you purchased it, do you remember the brand name? Great viv Mark, one happy snake I'm sure. I love how that photo nature background blends right into the plants and wood added. I wasn't sold on it as the build was happening but wow, very nice.

[mark cope]

WOW:eek::eek::eek:!!! That is great. Good job, I want to move in....:rolleyes:. The "branch" you refer to in a few pics, is that real or made to look real? If real was that a lucky find or was it purchased, and if its made to look real and you purchased it, do you remember the brand name? Great viv Mark, one happy snake I'm sure. I love how that photo nature background blends right into the plants and wood added. I wasn't sold on it as the build was happening but wow, very nice.

I bought the branch £15 don't know if there was a name, the shop just sells them different sizes ranging from £10-£25

[Dan72]

So it is real wood, but store bought so already treated and ready for vivs..... cool!

[EasternGirl]

How is Martha liking her new home these days? Any new pics for us?

[mark cope]

She is liking it , but when me and Joe had her out last night I noticed her eyes are starting to milk over so I'm getting her a moist hide on the way home from work, two sheds in as many weeks :)
Mark

[mark cope]

Right a few pics for Marnie
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_05230012.jpg
The viv with new moist hide
.
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_05230013.jpg
Peek-a-boo
.
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_05230009.jpg
I like this pic
.
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Joe%20and%20his%20garter/2012_05230004.jpg
You can see her eyes are starting to milk over.
Mark

[guidofatherof5]

Sorry Mark. I looked at the photos also.:D

[Dan72]

Great shots Mark, very nice viv. Like the new moist hide, well done.

[mark cope]

Just finished Neos new digs.
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Neo/2012_05270002.jpg
.
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/2012_05270006.jpg
.
So now just got to build one, the same as Marthas, for Kellogg.
Mark

[guidofatherof5]

Looks good Mark.

[EasternGirl]

Thanks for the pics, Mark. The viv looks awesome! Martha looks happy. Neo's viv looks great too. Great work you have done!!

[katach]

I want one! I need it to be 55in long, 18in wide, and 12in deep. ;)

[mark cope]

Nearly finished Kelloggs viv, the build is the same Marthas....Apart from I changed to soffit vents.
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Kellogg%20the%20Corn%20snake/2012_06020003.jpg
I like the way the new branch matches the background.
.
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Kellogg%20the%20Corn%20snake/2012_06020004.jpg
Toying with the layout while I set up the stat.
.
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Viv%20pics%20%20%20set%20up%20etc/2012_06020002.jpg
The new set up
Hoping to move Kellogg in tomorrow:)
Mark

[Invisible Snake]

Looks great, all of them!

[katach]

Awesome!

[mark cope]

Well got most of the furniture in,
Will be adding more over the next week or so, but I'm just happy that he is no longer in the faun.
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Kellogg%20the%20Corn%20snake/2012_06030002.jpg
.
Peek-a-boo
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u453/copey1975/Kellogg%20the%20Corn%20snake/2012_06030001.jpg
.
So there you go,
But wifey has informed me of what she will do to a certain part of my anatomy if I buy another snake any time soon:eek:
Mark

[guidofatherof5]

Very nice.
She was just kidding.
Get another one.:D

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Don't worry you can survive with one kidney...

[mark cope]

A friend of mine has come up with a good idea:)
Wifey wants a tortoise..........so I go to the shop and get One tortoise and one snake.....come back and say to wifey I have got us a tortoise each..........then I take out the tortoise and say "here is yours".........then I take out the snake and say"Oh bugger I must have left his shell at the shop":D

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Sounds like a plan...