Heat Box

http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/.../pics/cage.jpg

Im going to convert an old Iguana cage that i gutted out into a "Heat Box" for my reptiles this winter. This will be more convinent as I wont have to run numerous heat lamps and run my electric bill up. In this heat box the temperature will stay at a steady 80 degrees and I will have the heat lamps turn on and off in 3hr intervals or so (to keep the box from getting to hot).

Im going to flip the cage on its side so that the entrance will be easier to access. Next im going to board up all the sides with recycled wood (not regular hard wood, its more durable and a good insulator, plus cheaper) while leaving the wire on the cage (incase i want to take it apart and turn it back into a cage) and leaving the door unboarded.

Then on the inside im going to place styrofoam (acting as another insulator) on the back and side walls.

As for the heat lamps, 2 will be placed inside the box, they will be hung from the top.

Im going to post up pics of the finished product towards the end of December.

Good luck!! Can't wait to see the finished product :)

I just finished it yesterday. I changed the design around a bit. Instead of actually boarding it up completely i just put styrofoam board covered with foil on the inside of the windows to hold the heat on the inside, only cost me 10$.

Now the heat box reaches 80° degrees within 30mins, at that temperature the heat lamps shut off and it holds the heat at that temp for about a good 3hrs, then when the temp drops the heat lamps kick back on untill the temp reaches 80° degrees again.

It saves me so much more money on my electric bills and keeps my colubrids toasty warm :D

I'll post the pics up here in a min...

Heres the finished product....
http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/...2-15195619.jpg

And the foil styrofoam on the inside to retain heat....
http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/...2-16233140.jpg

With the black heat lamp on....
http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/...16233045-1.jpg

With the black heat lamp and the infared heat lamp on....
http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/...2-16233130.jpg

And you can see the holes in the back board allowing for air flow (that way it doesnt stay or get to hot)