DIY Cage Project - planning stage

[TraconSnake]

Okay, I've finally put my idea for a Ball Python cage into a visual format.



Total volume is 6.75 cubic feet. However, I plan to have some sort of fake rock feature (wich I will either purchase or design with easy cleanability in mind) which should take up a couple cubic feet.

Whe bottom, back, and sides are all wood wich will be coated with several coats of minwax. The interior will also be coated with Envirotek wich is a pour-on polymer type material. So no cleaning problems there. The top is screen, however, I will also have two squares of plexiglass wich will fit into this opening so that the amount of area wich is open will be adjustable so that humidity and heat can be more easily managed. The top has hinges on the back (not shown in the drawing), and two weatehrstripping latches on the front. (These are the types of latches that pull down once the latch is engaged) As such, the top will be lined with foam weatherstrippng to ensure there are no gaps. The front window will be a plexiglass sheet wich will be secured to the front using bolts.

To heat the bottom I plan to use FlexWatt tape, thermostatically controlled. For basking heat, I haven't yet decided between using a ceramic heater or lamp. Either way, it will be protected to prevent any direct contact between the snake and the heater.

I won't go into substrate, "clutter", etc as that's beyond the scope of this post. But I do have some neat ideas. And I will keep ease of cleaning in mind. Ideally I'll use stuff that I can simply put in the oven and bake at 250 for 30 minutes for sterilization purposes. (perhaps I should name my snake Howard Hughes)

As for a stand, I'll either set it on an existing cabinet wich I have nor, or I'll build legs onto the cage.

So, whaddya think so far? Should I also put vents on the side, or will the opening in the top be enough? Is there a minimum thickness of plexiglass I should use? Are there glossy stick-on murals wich I can put on the back and sides? Daddy, what's Vietnam?

[jglass38]

Looks sharp! But I would ditch the orange and green paint.