In-cage platform/shelf?

[RedSidedSPR]

Im adding and changing stuff in the baby cage, I keep wanting to make some kind of platform or shelf in the babies cage...

I don't know of any store bought ones except this (http://m.petco.com/Petco/product/detail.do?itemId=79510&categoryId=792836&path=Home%7CFish%7CDecor%7CPenn+Plax+Tank+Terrace+ Corner+Shelf+Kit+Resin) (eh) at PetCo (curse them:p)

Anyone ever done this? (well, I mean obviously some have) how? Did you build it, buy it?

[d_virginiana]

I like to sculpt whatever I'm going to use out of Great Stuff foam. Then cover it in 100% silicone and press whatever you want into that to give it a texture; I like cocofiber or bark (be sure to bake any stuff you collect from out in the woods though). Then I use the silicone to glue it to the side of the tank.

Other options are zoo-med magnets. They're made so you can put one on the inside and one on the outside, and attach the shelf to them. I prefer 'gluing' my structures in because as much as my snake climbs on his, I've never had any problems with it falling off. Only problem is that if you need to remove it, you gotta use a putty knife.. :p

[RedSidedSPR]

Yeah, that may be a bit too permanent...

Good idea though, I'll keep that in mind!

[Mommy2many]

I use aquarium decor but you have to watch out, you may end up with this problem if it has holes on the bottom:

http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww215/rotie1/IMG00010.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

I've had problems with aquarium decor holes... As in, not seeing the snake for three days...

Not happening.:rolleyes:

[Mommy2many]

Yeah, well as you can see, he got himself stuck in there. We were actually able to get him to back up (with much persuasion).

This is actually my Florida Blue, named Jesse.

[katach]

My honey makes all our climbing stuff. Check out my "new tank" thread. Not sure if that's what you have in mind though.

[RedSidedSPR]

The hammock thing? Not exactly...

[katach]

No the other one. I would upload a pic for you but our internet is down. When it comes back on I'll post one.

[RedSidedSPR]

No idea what you're talking about........

The only person that comes to mind that does it is Kantar.. (just remembered)

I just want a few more levels and platforms for basking, space, climbing... I have a really cool plan, but id need platforms.

[katach]

I'll show you when the internet comes back on.

[RedSidedSPR]

I just looked at every picture in that thread "new tank!!"

I think.

[katach]

Check out post 14. I wish I could just post a new pic. But the stupid internet company is having issues. They don't even have a working phone to call right now. Hard to do stuff from my phone.

[RedSidedSPR]

I almost always use a phone, I rarely have access to a computer, so I get used to it.

Is it an iPhone?

[katach]

It's the Evo 4G. I like it for the most part. but I can't upload photos to anywhere except facebook.

[RedSidedSPR]

I see it. Still not what I'm looking for.

[RedSidedSPR]

It's the Evo 4G. I like it for the most part. but I can't upload photos to anywhere except facebook.

Well, if it's already up on the Internet, (it is, post #14 obviously) just copy it, and paste it right in "http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/images/green/editor/insertimage.gif"

And btw, that was the "hammock thing" i was talking about... stupid description I know.

[d_virginiana]

I wish I could find the video again, but there was this guy who had to make SUPER heavy duty shelves for his pythons on youtube. He used some sort of magnet and pre-made shelving units that looked really natural. I think they were a bit on the expensive side though.

[RedSidedSPR]

Sounds cool, except for the expensive part.:D

[Kantar]

I just make my own

with some metal, cardboard, and a thin layer of foam all which I stole from work :D

I bent the metal to hang off the rim of the cage, its pretty flat so it didn't leave a gap, had 3 same size cardboard pads, glued 2 pieces with the metal between, cut out one of the pads to make like a picture frame, glued it to the cardboard then glued the foam inside the cut out part so it leaves a little lip, without it the snake would easily slide off.

Here is a couple pictures

The corn snake in there is now over 4 feet long, this is a 30x12x16 tank

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/10625_170950134358_525334358_3687805_7691163_n.jpg

I only made a couple of them but the snakes do use them especally when some hanging plants surround it
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249319_10150326714489359_525334358_9502191_3540641 _n.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

That's exactly what i was talking about! Thanks Matt!

Any idea if that would work with wood, instead of cardboard?

[Mrs N1ntndo]

yes thank you. Cause I was wanting to put a shelf in with my babies also so now I have an idea of what I can do. thank you so much thats awesome idea.

[Kantar]

it would most likely work with wood, but wood does warp with humidity

[d_virginiana]

That's a neat idea. I'll have to look into making one of those once I get a tank large enough for both of mine to live together.

[RedSidedSPR]

it would most likely work with wood, but wood does warp with humidity

True.. cardboard in my tank has never appealed to me, i like it looking really natural, but I'll look into it...

[RedSidedSPR]

Ok, because of my cage, I can't do Matts suggestion...

Also don't really want cardboard, because its not easy to clean, and doesn't support much weight...

Anybody?

[Kantar]

not even with flat metal pieces?

one of the shelves easily support 2 heavy 4 foot corn snakes

do you have a picture of the rim of your enclosure so I can maybe come up with an idea or 2 for you?

[RedSidedSPR]

Oh.. didnt know it was that strong. Cardboard is ok now.:rolleyes:

I'll take a picture and show you when I'm at a computer (on my iphone now), but the problem is it's a sliding lid... and awkward rim, that the lid come up against...

Idk it might work, but when I was looking at it...

[d_virginiana]

Do you have access to balsam wood? If you really don't like the looks of cardboard, it's light, incredibly strong, and I'd think less likely than other woods to warp.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

so when you use cardboard how long does it last for.

[RedSidedSPR]

Do you have access to balsam wood? If you really don't like the looks of cardboard, it's light, incredibly strong, and I'd think less likely than other woods to warp.

Never heard of it, but I'll look into it.

Really don't mind carboard.. but if there's another way, I at least want to hear it.

[RedSidedSPR]

MICHAEL'S BABY!!!!

Don't have a locks dollar store, so I checked Michaels.... The greenery alone made the whole trip worth it... infinite selection of awesome different kinds, for around $1.00-$5.00

Bur my main objective was some shelving inspiration. It's got some awesome, thin or thick, light, small boards...

Gimme a few more weeks and if all works... this'll be one heck of a cage for a 10gal.

[ConcinusMan]

I've seen these used before. Creates more "floor" space for climbing lizards in tall tanks. I suppose they would make good perches for garters too.

Zoo Med SP-20 Reptile Hammock Large (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=reptile+hammock&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=3237178617220684354&sa=X&ei=uWZdTtbuHvTSiAL0k_yyBQ&ved=0CCMQ8wIwAA)

[kibakiba]

Mama would love one of those. She's such a lazy snake.

[RedSidedSPR]

I've thought about using those, but....Have you ever attempted to use a PetCo product with suction cups?

Awful.

Besides it will fill the whole 10gals.

I need a platform.;)

[ConcinusMan]

They make different sizes and the suction cups hold very well

[kibakiba]

I find most suction cups from anywhere never work. I've broken 5 30 dollar mirrors in this past year because the suction cups randomly stop working.

[ConcinusMan]

I don't seem to have any problems with them as long as they aren't overloaded with too much weight.

[kibakiba]

Might not work with Mama, then.... ;)

[RedSidedSPR]

The petstore product suction cups are awful. But if you say those work...

Eh. I'll take your word for it. I like the "hammock" but it would defeat the purpose of my platform... not what I'm looking for.

[ConcinusMan]

They seem to hold adult bearded dragons just fine

[RedSidedSPR]

well they must work then!:eek:

Still. I have something in mind with my cage, and I need platforms to do it. That will not work, regardless of how much I like it (which is a lot) or how well it works.

[ConcinusMan]

Yeah, I wanted to do that too, a while back, in my 55 gallon but I'm not very handy and couldn't figure out how to make it work. I ended up setting a tube up off the floor against the glass, held up by the main log in the tank. The snakes spent 90% of their time up in that tube. They loved it. I got the idea from Shannon. She hangs tubes in her tanks, horizontally.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg38/scaled.php?server=38&filename=tube003large.jpg&res=medium

[kibakiba]

That is such a freaking cute picture!

[RedSidedSPR]

Yeah, they love the tubes. I have tubes in my adults cage and he loves them.


Yeah, I wanted to do that too, a while back, in my 55 gallon but I'm not very handy and couldn't figure out how to make it work.

Yeah, I'm still not 100% sure how I'm gonna do it...

Well, there's the cardboard way like Kantar suggested...

Then at Michaels I see all these strong but light small planks, so I could glue those... maybe (maybe) at least one leg for support, with a leafy vine (also at Michaels) going up it, disguising it.

Heck, or nothing but legs...

There's other things too. One board is heavier, but it's got this edge... So I could have bedding up there.

I dont know, there's a lot of options.

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakes2011/treehouse.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

I looked at something like that. Its great for hiding ad stuff, but not quite a platform like I'm thinking. But I like it. A little.:D

[PINJOHN]

looks like s budgie breeding box, should be easy enough to buy in any pet shop
great idea i think i will give it a try ;)

[guidofatherof5]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakes2011/treehouse.jpg

How easy it that to clean?
My snake would use it as poop central.:D

[Stefan-A]

How easy it that to clean?
My snake would use it as poop central.:D
Easy, one side is removable. Only been pooped in once, since I made/got it in 2006.

[RedSidedSPR]

ohhh... removable side. I like it more now.:D

Still won't work.

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakes07/sugar.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

I had to keep replacing those tubes because yeah, poop central. It's rather difficult to clean paperboard. You gotta replace it.

[RedSidedSPR]

Which is another reason I don't want a cardboard platform. I need something that will last.

[ConcinusMan]

It's funny. All this brainstorming made me just realize how to do it. Wood platform cut to fit where you want it, preferably in a corner or at least up against one of the walls, supported by PVC pipes. If you want it to be easy to clean, it definitely won't look natural though.

[RedSidedSPR]

Not gonna work. I have a few ideas...

[Stefan-A]

Which is another reason I don't want a cardboard platform. I need something that will last.
Wood, plastic, metal.

...stone. :D

[ConcinusMan]

Not gonna work. I have a few ideas...

Whataya mean it won't work?

[RedSidedSPR]

For what I have in mind. Plus, like you said, it won't look natural.;)

It'll WORK, just won't work for me. But I like the idea... it just wont work.:D

[RedSidedSPR]

Wood, plastic, metal.

...stone. :D

Stone... Hmm...theres something I didn't think of...

[ConcinusMan]

I don't get it then. You said you wanted a platform. Is that not a platform?

How about this...

Take a natural "log" (a fairly thick one so it's stable) and cut right angles in it so that the cut corner fits in the corner of the glass and attach another "natural" looking piece of wood at the top for your platform. Just make sure it's stable enough that it won't topple. You could do that in both corners and run a platform all the way across.

[ConcinusMan]

Then you'll come home one day and the snakes will be up there wearing hard hats and cleaning the glass. OK, perhaps not.

[RedSidedSPR]

Maybe I read wrong what you described, but I meant it won't work as the right kind of platform...

[ConcinusMan]

There's only one kind of platform. Choose your material, shape, and method of supporting it is all I can say.

[RedSidedSPR]

I don't think I understand your PVC pipe support? What kind of pipe are we talking about?

[ConcinusMan]

Ummm... PVC pipe. Polyvinyl Chloride. It makes for good stable legs that will hold a platform. In fact, I've used it before to replace legs on tables.

http://davidlasnier.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/pvc-pipe.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

That's what i thought... and you meant like 4 of those legs on a platform?

That's not what I had in mind, is all I'm saying.

[ConcinusMan]

Well what did you have in mind? levitation by use of "The Force" ? Anti-gravity generator?

[RedSidedSPR]

Yeah. Anti gravity generator. I can get them real cheap.

No. First, I will keep that in mind.. I'm not sure yet... it's a nice thin light peice of wood, so It could be supported by glue alone, but than with other stuff and snakes I'd need something more, so a leg would help... but I don't want a pipe. I guess more wood, cause than Michaels has this leafy vine thing I could run up the leg, hiding the leg, and giving snakes access.. then there's these things that there are built to support. Wood, or metal, or plastic, kind "L" shaped, so it comes down from the back (top) and under the substrate... Easily hidden with this nifty bush thing...:D

I could go on..

[Stefan-A]

Magnets.

[kibakiba]

Magnets?! How do they work?!

[RedSidedSPR]

What she said. ^^

[d_virginiana]

There's videos of some really nice setups using magnet-supported platforms on youtube, you just have to search for them.

[RedSidedSPR]

Cant find any....

What kind of magnets? Where can I get them?

[ConcinusMan]

Really, really strong ones. Magnets will make it easy to remove and clean, but you'll still need some pretty darn powerful glue to attach them to the glass and platform.

I would start asking around a the computer shops for old broken hard drives. Inside you'll find some of the most powerful magnets you've ever seen, and they're flat/wafer shaped so they would be perfect. They're strong enough that you sure as heck don't want to get skin pinched between them, and they will lift each other up off of a table from 5-6 inches away!

http://www.reuk.co.uk/OtherImages/hard-drive-magnet-polarity.jpg

http://www.reuk.co.uk/OtherImages/hard-drive-magnet.jpg

http://www.reuk.co.uk/OtherImages/inside-a-hard-disk-drive.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

Whoa.:eek:

I'll try and find a CPU shop... haven't seen any.

Is there any reason it would be dangerous to the snakes?

[ConcinusMan]

Other than pulling the iron out of their blood, no. Of course, I'm just kidding about the iron comment but the strength of those magnets will blow you away.

[RedSidedSPR]

I just asked cause of:


They're strong enough that you sure as heck don't want to get skin pinched between them,

[ConcinusMan]

Once two of the wafers are together, it's quite difficult to pry them apart. You could put one on top of your hand, and another underneath and they're strong enough that they will stay there. You definitely don't want to get them anywhere near a monitor or magnetic media.

[ConcinusMan]

Oh, and if you leave them on the backing plate, that plate is a magnetic shield. The magnetic forces do not penetrate it. In other words, it won't stick on the backing plate side if it's still attached. That's how they're able to be inside the hard drive without erasing the data on the magnetic platters.

[RedSidedSPR]

Yet it goes inside a computer?:D

I'll look into it! Thanks

[RedSidedSPR]

Oh, and if you leave them on the backing plate, that plate is a magnetic shield. The magnetic forces do not penetrate it. In other words, it won't stick on the backing plate side if it's still attached. That's how they're able to be inside the hard drive without erasing the data on the magnetic disks.

So I DON'T want the backing plate. gotcha.

[ConcinusMan]

Well, they're hard to remove from the backing plate but for your use, you won't have to. Just use the backing plate side to glue them to your glass and platform.

[ConcinusMan]

I just thought of something. You could use ideas from this method to create a natural looking "rock" wall with platforms: How to Build a Waterfall for a Terrarium PART 2 - Video (http://www.metacafe.com/watch/4023787/how_to_build_a_waterfall_for_a_terrarium_part_2/)

[RedSidedSPR]

Wait, so I leave the backing plate on? Glue that to the glass?

Can't be viewed on mobile device, I'll check it out later.

[RedSidedSPR]

I just thought of something. You could use ideas from this method to create a natural looking "rock" wall with platforms: How to Build a Waterfall for a Terrarium PART 2 - Video (http://www.metacafe.com/watch/4023787/how_to_build_a_waterfall_for_a_terrarium_part_2/)

That is awesome.... so you're suggesting gluing styrofoam to the glass and doing that?

Hmmmmm....

[ConcinusMan]

I'm suggesting you consider using a similar method and materials and figure out the rest on your own

[RedSidedSPR]

Yeah. Cool.

[ConcinusMan]

Maybe something like this:

http://www.lizard-landscapes.com/images/fake-rock-wall-black.jpg

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRGeuLomCwk3kLJfNuSQZzEK22coJXlo Bf3lFxG-oBJQFtU2Cal&t=1

[RedSidedSPR]

Yeah. Cool.:D

Maybe... it's not exactly what i had in mind, i couldn't do some things i was thinking of, but it works.. Definitely and option.

[RedSidedSPR]

Turns out my dad has a bunch of old hard-drives from all the computers hes ever had.

Didn't want his info out in a trash can somewhere. So he kept 'em all. He's paranoid that way.:D

[RedSidedSPR]

I gots me some magnets!! And HOLY CRAP!! they are STRONG.:eek: had to separate two of 'em with a screw driver!!

Step 1 complete.

[RedSidedSPR]

Jeez, may not need to glue it to the cage, two on each side of the glass will work.:eek:

[chris-uk]

Jeez, may not need to glue it to the cage, two on each side of the glass will work.:eek:

Don't let go of the magnets near the glass, they'd easily shatter it if you weren't careful, right?

[RedSidedSPR]

I don't doubt it.

[chris-uk]

I just had to take a screwdriver to my ornimental hard drive (yes, being an IT geek I had one stripped down to expose the platter on shelf above my desk) to see how strong the magnets are. They're pretty strong. For their size I'd say that they are stronger than any I've taken out of speakers. I've just found another reason to dismantal old HDDs.

[RedSidedSPR]

Just keep it away from electronics, it'll erase the memory it's so strong!

[ConcinusMan]

I was going to tell you if you open the drives and wipe one of those on the platters, your dad can rest assured the data will be completely destroyed.

Of course they are powerful. They're not your ordinary metal. They are neodymium iron boron (NIB) magnets. They're commonly just referred to as "neodymium" or "rare earth" magnets.

How do you think the get that motor to turn the disks at 7200rpm without using a lot of electricity or generating a lot of heat with the motor? Also, even at 7200rpm, it can stop nearly instantly. With application of just a little "push" of electricity, the magnets keep the disks spinning. Reverse the polarity and the disks stop spinning almost instantly.

Will they hold your platform? You bet:

http://www.dansdata.com/images/magnets/mobile220.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

Yeah, thats what he did. No more data.

Heck yeah they'll hold it! I accidentally touched them together, it pinched my skin, and I had to pry them apart with a screwdriver.

[kimbosaur]

MICHAEL'S BABY!!!!

Don't have a locks dollar store, so I checked Michaels.... The greenery alone made the whole trip worth it... infinite selection of awesome different kinds, for around $1.00-$5.00


Just on a side note, never make a trip to Michaels without printing a coupon! They pretty much always have 40-50% off single item coupons.

http://img.dealspl.us/images/coupon/14/cn_michaels-coupons__308909p.jpg


Maybe something like this:

http://www.lizard-landscapes.com/images/fake-rock-wall-black.jpg

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRGeuLomCwk3kLJfNuSQZzEK22coJXlo Bf3lFxG-oBJQFtU2Cal&t=1
I've always wanted to try one of these.

[RedSidedSPR]

Coupons.. Never been good with those. Too late now, but thanks!:D

Yea, that's a really cool.. I was at a reptile show and for $160 they ha this 100-200 gallon tank with that built in. Was very tempted to buy it.......

[Light of Dae]

I just posted a new thread in enclosures you might take an idea from :)

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/enclosures/9279-make-your-own-fake-rock-cave.html

[RedSidedSPR]

Awesome thanks!

[RedSidedSPR]

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/general-talk/9285-new-setup.html