Worth the money?

[kueluck]

Any experience with this company? Glasscages.com - Glass / Acrylic Sliding Fronts (http://glasscages.com/?sAction=ViewCat&lCatID=6) I'm looking to order the 48 x 24 x 25, 120 gallon acrylic tank w/sliding glass doors, priced at $321.00. I have a $400 cage fund and looking for the biggest I can get.

[guidofatherof5]

I've heard people on the forum mention that acrylic scratches very easily.

[twgrosmick]

While acrylic does scratch it can be buffed out unlike glass when once it scratches it stays scratched. Just be sure never to use a razor on the acrylic and you will be fine. I have a 150 gallon acrylic saltwater tank and I just use an old credit card to clean the sides and have never had an issue.

Hope this helps. As for the price I would just custom build one yourself. I built a 4x2x2 for less than 150 with sliding glass front, removable top, out of melamine. Seeing as garters don't require high humidity you don't even have to treat the wood with a polyurethane based primer. I used 3/4 inch melamine with all my cages/racks and never had a problem.

[kueluck]

I would LOVE to build one myself, but I need plans, a list of materials and so forth. I've actually got one in my head, just can't get it on to paper. I also put a post on my local craigslist to see if someone would build one for me. Since it will be the center piece in my living room it needs to be perfect for the girls, but has to be pleasing to the human eye also.

[twgrosmick]

I would be willing to design one for you for a small fee. I am an engineer and I could model it on my 3D software. It would include all the layouts of the wood, etc. the only thing it wouldn't be able to do for you is build itself lol. If I was close I would be more than willing to build it for you but NC is a bit of a drive haha

[kueluck]

I did find this site How to build enclosures for reptiles - custom snake cages - arboreal snake cages - snake keeping cage info - homemade reptile cages (http://www.reptile-cage-plans.com/index.html) but I can't find any reviews on it.

[twgrosmick]

I think you are over thinking it. It just needs to be a wooden box with ventilation and heat which can be achieved multiple ways. The design is totally up to you and whatever you think would be most aesthetically pleasing. It can look at good as you want it too granted you don't cut any corners to try to finish faster.

[chris-uk]

I've been drawing up plans for a viv for my big girls over the last few days. For me there are two reasons driving me to build my own, firstly is the cost (although the cost saving over buying one when it's in a sale isn't huge), but the main driver is that I can design in features that I want and you don't get on commercial vivs.
When I build up my 1200mm x 533mm x 600mm box I'll post some pics and the plans.

I'm intending to use acrylic for the doors on the basis that it's cheaper, lighter and easier to work with than toughened glass.

[kueluck]

Well I took the leap and got the Reptile Cage Plans - Articles, Care Sheets and Cage Information (http://www.reptile-cage-plans.com/articles/articles.html) . I love this ebook and it gives me confidence to know I can build the 4x2x2 cage for the girls. It also gave me the excuse to buy a router, which I've always wanted. This is gonna be a slow process, but then I'm in no hurry since Mona & Sadie won't be with Zena until next year. Wish me luck!!

[snake man]

Good luck.

[chris-uk]

Have fun. And post up anything useful that you learn. :-)

[kueluck]

I'm having a blast with the table saw, jig saw, sander, the new router, saw dust flying everywhere.........
Learned that on Aspen wood after drilling the pilot hole for the screws, take a drill bit about the same size as the screw head and just drill it out a little to you can sink the head to fill it in later. I guess Aspen is harder than pine since I've never had a problem before. Anyway........................here's the base together and first coat of stain. I put a gallon jug inside so you can get an idea of size. I hope the girls like this one since it's gonna be the final set up.

6933


Now I have to find screened vents, don't know if I should get the round cupboard ones or regular slotted rectangles. Make the sliding glass frame, order the glass and tracks, cut out for lights on top and maybe cut out a section on the bottom to insert a glass panel for a UTH.

[Invisible Snake]

Looking good so far! Please remember to be careful so that you don't hurt yourself and wear safety goggles, dust mask, etc.. :)

[guidofatherof5]

Lots of space for exploring. Looks good.

[KephrenJorgensen]

from my experience melamine is the cheapest and safest building material for homemade enclosures, my iguana was very happy.

[kueluck]

Shoot, no need to worry, power tools I am proficient in. Once I have the plans layed out, well as Kramer would say "giddy-up".
Looking good so far! Please remember to be careful so that you don't hurt yourself and wear safety goggles, dust mask, etc.. :)

[guidofatherof5]

Yes, but your not a hipster dufus.:D

[ProXimuS]

Lookin good so far Gail. I think the girls will be happy with all that sapce:)

[guidofatherof5]

Yes, but your not a hipster dufus.:D


I guess I'm the hipster dufus your, duh you're Sorry about that.

[infernalis]

Most building suppliers carry pre-cut sheets of wood. If you work around the pre cut size, you won't even need a saw.

[joeyjoe9876]

Big enclosures make happy snakes, looking great so far!

[kueluck]

I'm sorta at a stand still for now. Waiting for the sliding door track, digital thermostat for heat mats & cupboard screen vents to come in. Gonna order the glass panels Monday and still deciding which way to go with lighting.

6960

[-MARWOLAETH-]

I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product (I bet your snakes are to:p)

[guidofatherof5]

Looks good Gail.

[ProXimuS]

I can't wait to see the end product! I'm already jealous:p

[kueluck]

Thanks, but I really can't take all the credit on this. With this How to build enclosures for reptiles - custom snake cages - arboreal snake cages - snake keeping cage info - homemade reptile cages (http://www.reptile-cage-plans.com/index.html) any person can build a cage. It's AWESOME!!

[snake man]

I will do this some day.....

[kueluck]

HEATING - If I use a UTH should I still have a heat light overhead? If so, what is the reason behind it.

[Invisible Snake]

HEATING - If I use a UTH should I still have a heat light overhead? If so, what is the reason behind it.

No, that would make it very hot in the enclosure to have a UTH and a heat light overhead.

I would recommend using flexwatt heat tape and use a regular bulb or LEDs for lighting.

[chris-uk]

No, that would make it very hot in the enclosure to have a UTH and a heat light overhead.

I would recommend using flexwatt heat tape and use a regular bulb or LEDs for lighting.

Combining UTH for the warm side, and a light overhead to provide a warmer basking spot seems a sensible approach in a large enough enclosure. It's what I plan to do when I build my 120cm viv, the spotlight will be relatively low-powered so that it only warms a shelf area (a 40W doesn't radiate heat very far).

And a regular bulb will also throw out heat, albeit less focused.

[kueluck]

I guess I didn’t explain myself clearly on the heat light thing. Right now I use a 25W red bulb that sits over a hammock for a basking area and I’m going to put the same set up in the big cage for them, plus the UTH. But is it really necessary for heating purpose, or is it more of a “they just enjoy” it kind of thing.

[chris-uk]

I don't see anything wrong with your plan Gail. Heat-wise, if you make sure you have the right size mat the bulb will just be a little extra to spoil the little squigglies.

[kueluck]

Thanks Chris. I just want to get this right the first time so I don't have to re-do things.

[snake man]

Always smart.

Thanks Chris. I just want to get this right the first time so I don't have to re-do things.

[kueluck]

Starting to put things together, so on the vents.......I have 4 - 3inch round cupboard vents. What would be the best placement for them.

[ConcinusMan]

While acrylic does scratch it can be buffed out unlike glass when once it scratches it stays scratched. Just be sure never to use a razor on the acrylic and you will be fine.

A razor? it doesn't even take that. Simply wiping it down to clean it is enough. After a while the fine scratches cause the clarity to go "foggy"

Acrylic sucks

[chris-uk]

Starting to put things together, so on the vents.......I have 4 - 3inch round cupboard vents. What would be the best placement for them.

How about one on either side towards the front and bottom, and the other two on the back at the top? That should promote circulation. It depends where you plan to site the viv, if this arrangement will leave some vents blocked then I'd rethink.
Otherwise I'd say equal spacing along the back.

[kueluck]

Thanks Chris, that should work just fine since the sides will not be blocked, and the back will be at least 12 inch from the wall. Putting in the sliding glass door rail was a bear!!! Should have bought longer brads. :(

[kueluck]

I hope to have the cage completed by the end of this weekend. I've got all the supplies expect the vent cover which are just to finish off the edges on the outside. Grand total $547.94, more than I wanted to spend, but what the heck, this is for the girls!!

[kueluck]

All that's left is to put the sliding glass doors in and set the thermostat and decorate. It's time for a Leinie Honey Weiss!!
7065

[RedSidedSPR]

That kicks *** I want one. Lol

[kueluck]

7078
The table I was going to use for the cage just didn't look right. So yesterday I made this, and finished the trim this morning. Time to stain and FINALLY get this done! I love the e-book I got for this. I HIGHLY recommend spending the $27.95 if you need help doing this. The stand plans were also included in the e-book, and cost was $79.00 in lumber.

[kueluck]

Finished!!
7091

[guidofatherof5]

Looks good. Lot of vertical space.

[Invisible Snake]

Looks great! When can you start building mine :D

[chris-uk]

Looks good. Next thing you'll be doing is making 3D sculpted backgrounds. :)

Are the panels on the side towards the back just viewing windows? Or is there something more to that feature?

[ProXimuS]

That is AWESOME! Great job, super jealous:p

[kueluck]

Steve - All 3 of my girls spend lots of time up off the ground, be it their hammock or in the branches or vines. I've read several articles that state garters are ground dwelling snakes. I guess the girls didn't get the memo.

Invisible (sorry don't know your name) – Ya don't need me, all ya need is the “how to” e-book.


Chris – The sculpture walls “how to” was included in the e-book, so maybe next time.......if there is one. And the windows on the back side walls are so the girls can see what's coming in from the sides so they don't get started when someone is “BANG” right in front of them. Plus it also lets in some natural light.


Thanks everyone. Some of you guys gave me some great advise on doing this, and as always I really appreciate your input.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

It looks great,Gail. When can I move in?:p

This Woman's backgrounds are mint!
Beckywheeler - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/Beckywheeler?feature=CAQQwRs%3D)

[kueluck]

Sorry Wm, but the mondo condo is for girls only. And I LOVE Becky!!
It looks great,Gail. When can I move in?:p

This Woman's backgrounds are mint!
Beckywheeler - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/Beckywheeler?feature=CAQQwRs%3D)

[RedSidedSPR]

That really is some major *** kickery.

I want one.