Vent Sizes

[skaplan86]

so I am intending to build a 3x2 cage for my BP. I will probably use 5/8" plywood, but I may use 3/4". Just kinda depends but thats not really my issue.

My intention is to put vents on either end of the cage (opening at front, vents on sides). My plan is very basic but similar to Clay Davenport's 3x2, with a few of my own design changes. I was planning on using pegboard (like davenport's 4x2) but cannot decide on appropriate vent sizes.

Anybody have some insight on how to appropriately size my vents or is it simply trial and error? Cut a vent if its too small then make it bigger etc... That'd be a shame because I feel I can build a really nice cage if I can just get it all planned out ahead of time.

[Lucas339]

i used a drill or a souldering iron to make my vent holes. i put them on the cool side so the warm air travels from the warm side to the cool side in effect warming up the cool side a little (or at least in theory). i put six or so on each side of the cool end. I am using a tub so if you are using wood, a drill would be the way to go. as for the peg board, im not sure it will hold up to the mositure. i would just poke some holes and call it a day.

are you planning on sealing the wood?

[skaplan86]

yeah.... i use the same method as you for my tub... but in my tub I can just add holes if it needs it, and if I screw it up then its only $7 to buy a new one and start fresh. Once I seal the wood I'd rather not be adding holes to it. The pegboard will hold up to the moisture if its sealed as well, so I'm not concerned. The question is figuring out how many holes...

[Lucas339]

start with a few and work your way up....trial and error.

[skaplan86]

works well in a tub, but not so well in a finely crafted wood cage... I was trying to get other peoples experiences because I know a lot of people have similar cages

[m00kfu]

When I was working on a display enclosure a few months ago, I decided a fairly easy way to do the ventilation. Assuming that the back of the enclosure is going to be to the wall or out of site, put more than you think you'll need. You can always cover some of the holes up on the back side without affecting the looks from the front.

[skaplan86]

excellent idea! is there any real difference in a cage that has 1 large vent in the rear vs 2 vents in the sides? I'm not sure how the airflow would work on a single vent like that...

[m00kfu]

I'm not sure how you plan to do the opening in the front, but chances are it won't be air tight. So while you've only got a single vent in the back, the front will also act as a vent of some sort for a little air flow.