looking for some help

i'm intending to build a cage for my BP with dimensions of 36X24X12 and was wondering what would be a good building material? I read that i could use either plywood, melmine, or pvc? which one would be the best? im just looking for some advice on how to do this. THX

i would say pvc would be the best route to go if you can find it. Its lighter than the other 2 materials and its easy to clean. Melamine is good but its heavy. Ply wood would need a coat of finish on it so that it doesnt soak up a ton of moisture.

well i decided to go with melamine and i almost have the tank finished. it is 36x24X12 and all i need are some locks and a stand and i can move my snake into it.

Hi,

Remember to use silicon sealant around all the internal edges to prevent swelling and such problems. Once that's cured you should be set. :gj:


dr del

i was thinking on putting a false bottem into it so that i could put the heat mat in so it wouldn't have to heat through the wood. i was thinking of using some kind of plastic or acrylic sheet but i need to find something thick enough to hold the snake's weight and the other accessories. then i should be finished.

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Originally Posted by deminon

i was thinking on putting a false bottem into it so that i could put the heat mat in so it wouldn't have to heat through the wood. i was thinking of using some kind of plastic or acrylic sheet but i need to find something thick enough to hold the snake's weight and the other accessories. then i should be finished.

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You could put the heat mat right on top of the wood and then cover the bottom of the enclosure with stick on laminate floor or counter top covering. Either are readily available at home improvement stores, easy to cut and apply, aesthetically pleasing and reasonably cheap. It is waterproof, easy to clean and very durable.

I have done this with ceramic tile also. Ceramic holds the heat pretty well, but it increases the over all weight considerably.

I used a router and cut a groove in the bottom piece of melamine for a thermostat probe, then I taped down the heat mat on top of that, and then put the floor covering over the top of the whole floor of the enclosure. I hope that makes sense.