Want to build a cage...am I missing anything.
Ive decided to build a cage because the glass tank really isnt holding the heat well where I would like to permanently have the cage.
I am planning to build the tank out of 3/4" plywood.
Sealing with acrylic waterbased paint and ge 1 silicone 100% for the seams.
Heat tape inside the box with ceramic wall tiles on top of it controlled by ranco thermostat. Do I need to have tiles underneath the heat tape as well? Do I just lay it down and have the weight of the tiles hold it in place or do I need to secure it with aluminum tape? Also for the thermostat probe everything ive read says dont put it inside the tank because it can get knocked loose. But all the plywood builds ive read say to use hotglue to glue it to the top of the tile. Any insight on this?
Lighting I am planning to use leds
Vents cut out for air flow.
The front and the top will be hinged with cam locks to lock them in place. The front is going to be framed glass.
Am I missing anything else?
Re: Want to build a cage...am I missing anything.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
takagari
Your main concern having heat tape actually in an enclosed tank is water, if your critter spills enough water he/she could very easily cook themselves :(
I would highly suggested radian heat panel. they are fairly cheap in the usa, can be side or top mounted and water proof ;)
If you insist on heat tape, you'll want to grout/tile in the panel, the same as you would do a tile floor/infloor heat
(I actually use heat tape for in floor heating in my bathrooms, a beefed up version but same thing)
LED lighting works great,
For the vents, get metal and adjustable flow versions. seal them in good. dont rely on screws only. use silicone
the opening method works. just get really good locks :)
Thank you for the tips. I should have probably mentioned this is for my ball python. Dont I have to have belly heat for these guys dont I?
