massive cage build need advice

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

I've used that stuff before Extruded Aluminum Profile is the technical name for it. (it is great for making battlebot frames), but I've never built a cage from it. should be pretty straight forward. I would make sliding glass doors (Lexan scratches and bends really easily) get some sheets of PVC (or ABS Plastic) for the other sides.

Here is a thread on the PVC cages that I use. (just to give you some ideas)

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...With-Pictures!

This site builds cages based on the same type of design you are shooting for:

http://www.cagesbydesign.com/t-hybridreptile.aspx

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yeah thats it! i have some of that track way. kinda wanted to put antoher pice about 8inch in the front up so it will be more like the exoterra design.. and 1/4 inch glass front left and right will be glass. back top andd bottom will be solid. not sure wtah to use tho wood maybe? a sheet of delrin "have not priced that yet"

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Originally Posted by luvmyballs

After looking at website still kinda unsure about what product of there's that you have. Is it a extruded clip together aluminum frame or some sort of angle pieces ? Either way I would use plexi over glass only because plexi in easier to use and cut although for me I like glass better(clearer). Make sure to seal all gaps inside with aquarium grade silicone it will seal and add strength to the box. Please post pic when done. Good luck.

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Basically it is aluminum bars that have heavy duty joints that bolt together (or use a J style connector) I guarantee that it will work. I regularly use it in the 350 lb battlebots that I build and they can smash into other 350 lb bots moving at 22 feet per second without bending (only slightly reinforced lol)

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Originally Posted by strikerball21

yeah thats it! i have some of that track way. kinda wanted to put antoher pice about 8inch in the front up so it will be more like the exoterra design.. and 1/4 inch glass front left and right will be glass. back top andd bottom will be solid. not sure wtah to use tho wood maybe? a sheet of delrin "have not priced that yet"

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Delrin, ABS plastic, or PVC sheets would be your best bet, wood doesn't handle the humidity as well. Even Lexan sides painted or sanded so they aren't transparent would work.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

Delrin, ABS plastic, or PVC sheets would be your best bet, wood doesn't handle the humidity as well. Even Lexan sides painted or sanded so they aren't transparent would work.

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do you happen to know where i can pick some up at? HS friends parents own a glass company so i have that covered

You can see if there is a sign store local to you, they generally stock plastic sheets. if not there are web sires like these:

http://www.andymark.com/SearchResult...=polycarbonate

http://www.mcmaster.com/#plastics/=gytad8

http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant...=2&top_cat=181

http://www.professionalplastics.com/

saphire glass or normal? hmm well waht are the pros seems like a sheet just for 1 side is cheaper as glass than plexi which is weird...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

Basically it is aluminum bars that have heavy duty joints that bolt together (or use a J style connector) I guarantee that it will work. I regularly use it in the 350 lb battlebots that I build and they can smash into other 350 lb bots moving at 22 feet per second without bending (only slightly reinforced lol)

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Hey serp did you ever compete on that show battle bots or was it before your time? Sorry about the hijack.

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Originally Posted by luvmyballs

Hey serp did you ever compete on that show battle bots or was it before your time? Sorry about the hijack.

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No that was before my time, though they are trying to bring it back. (I compete in the same competition it just isn't televised)

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

No that was before my time, though they are trying to bring it back. (I compete in the same competition it just isn't televised)

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Very cool.:gj:

I have a comment that is not about the material (which is cool stuff) but the size. The 3 foot height is likely to cause issues. It is very hard to heat (stratification can be an issue) and humidity. humid air rises and if it is properly vented there this is likely to cause problems. I have made so large cages in the past for royals. The tallest is 20 inches and I had tons of problems holding ambient air temps in a cool room and although I had no issues with humidity (the room is 60% always) if I am changing or working with the humidifier that is the one that drops the fastest. There have been others here whom have built this large but to my knowledge have either cut down or abandoned the tall ones in favour or shorter versions. Just my two cents, 3 feet is very large and difficult to heat correctly for a royal perhaps a GTP or carpet might be better for this size cage.