Diy cabinet terrarium humidity

[Asmo]

Hello all!
Hope everyone and their balls are well!

I'm looking and pre planning a diy build that will consist of something like the pictures posted. (The Middle shelf would be removed and remade out of probably pvc so the wood doesn't mold and to add for a level for cruising around)
would be sectioning off areas as my baby grows into enclosure( I'm not as concerned about this as the ladder)

I would plan to make a Plexiglass or pvc 5 sided box(side walls, back, top and bottom) that would slide or be built into said cabinet/box shown in pictures and remain inset mostly indefinatly. I like this idea to help with ( a small dead air insulation barrier) heat and humidity.

heat tape and a herpstat is what I have for equipment aside from hydrometer/thermometers inside the enclosure.

The question that comes to mind is humidity but mainly fire hazards.(heat tape being sandwiched between 2 layers)
I'm sure it would be fine but as I've been lurking and learning I figured Im just going to ask.


Do you think if I build the plexiglass/pvc box respectivly tight to the sliding glass doors It would still retain a ton of humidity?
I'm sure it would be totally fine with proper substrate and upkeep, but I'm asking anyways before I put the work in.

Also and more importantly. In my head as of now the heat tape would be sandwiched inbetween this "box or cabinet" and the inlay of the plexiglass/pvc.
If I go with pvc I'll probably use plexiglass as a bottom so that better transfers heat from the heat tape underneath it and thats sandwiched inbetween the "box/cabinet"

Even if I went with a full pvc enclosure I'd still like to add a base and atleast one side wall of plexi glass to create barrier inbetween heat tape and pvc.

[Snake>papertowl/substrate>plexiglass>heat tape> box]

Would like to stay with heat tape as I feel I can regulate abient temp/Hotspot temp/humidity better and easier than anything elce that I've come across.

Pretty sure that all makes sence.
Seems pretty simple but a guy doesn't know till he knows.
Thanks for taking your time to read.
Any advice or comments would be appreciated.

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[Bogertophis]

I've used "heat tape" (specifically Flexwatt) for a few decades & always found it safe when installed as instructed* (& properly controlled, of course). *That includes leaving air gaps- not completely enclosed.

[Homebody]

Do you think if I build the plexiglass/pvc box respectivly tight to the sliding glass doors It would still retain a ton of humidity?
I'm sure it would be totally fine with proper substrate and upkeep, but I'm asking anyways before I put the work in.

Also and more importantly. In my head as of now the heat tape would be sandwiched inbetween this "box or cabinet" and the inlay of the plexiglass/pvc.
If I go with pvc I'll probably use plexiglass as a bottom so that better transfers heat from the heat tape underneath it and thats sandwiched inbetween the "box/cabinet"

To your first question, yes, it will retain humidity. In fact, it's overkill. The finished wood will retain both heat and humidity. For humidity, what really matters is a tight fit on the door.

To you second question, I'll echo Boger. You'll need a small gap between the heat tape and the plexiglass bottom.

My problem with converting cabinets, like the one you have pictured, is that they aren't deep enough. So, I built my own out of plywood.


I know it doesn't look as nice as a professionally done cabinet, but it was built for a snake, so it works.

[Asmo]

To your first question, yes, it will retain humidity. In fact, it's overkill. The finished wood will retain both heat and humidity. For humidity, what really matters is a tight fit on the door.

To you second question, I'll echo Boger. You'll need a small gap between the heat tape and the plexiglass bottom.

My problem with converting cabinets, like the one you have pictured, is that they aren't deep enough. So, I built my own out of plywood.


I know it doesn't look as nice as a professionally done cabinet, but it was built for a snake, so it works.

Thank you for your reply. Looks great to mee!
Yeah I think I'll end up building something between what you posted and something like I've posted.
Those pics are just referance pics as to kind of the idea I'm going for.
I can totally make a air gap inbetween the "cabinet" and plexiglass or even just leave the bits of the bottom of cabinet out to allow for air flow and circulation.

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[Bogertophis]

BTW, for many of my heat-tape installations, I like to use thin ceramic tiles under the heat tape within the air gap, so as to help retain the heat and also to keep the heat tape from laying directly on the wood below. Remember too that long-term use of heat easily dries the wood out- use of an appropriate finish ahead of time can help.

[Homebody]

Yeah I think I'll end up building something between what you posted and something like I've posted.

Please share with the forum. I love seeing what other DIYers come up with.