Building a custom enclosure -

Hey, I don't know if you guys heard of Moonstruck Exotics but they have some really nice looking enclosure which don't look to hard to build.
Heres there website - http://www.moonstruckexotics.com/4ft...ctor_cages.htm

I was wondering if anyone knew exactly how to build an enclosure like that.
Its made from PVC plastic.

Heres my questions -
1) How is each enclosure actually held together?
I don't seem to see any screws or anything, could they actually be held together by glue?!?!

2) Also the enclosures are heated with Flex Watt, does Flex Watt need a gap for escaping hot air like heat pads do?

3) Anyone have a link to the post about wiring Flex Watt?

I doubt it costs more then $100 to build an enclosure like that.
It would be awesome to build something stackable like that.

Here is a few links from the archives on that:


Flex Watt/Heat Tape:


http://www.ball-pythons.net/PNphpBB2...pic-t-491.html

http://www.ball-pythons.net/PNphpBB2...pic-t-523.html

Looking at cage pics now to try to help with that one.

EDIT: Looking at the pics and reading the discription, they are prob. made in a mold. They dont have any other openings, other than the door/doors. I would be a little leary cause of the ventilation issue. But maybe a member has experience with these.

my BCI has a custom enclosure. my uncle built it. he used those nails for like door trim.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rex322

my BCI has a custom enclosure. my uncle built it. he used those nails for like door trim.

---

Hmm, Is the enclosure made from plastic?

I'm planning on only using plastic, so they'll be stackable ... do to the lack of space in my apartment.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jeanne

Here is a few links from the archives on that:


Flex Watt/Heat Tape:


http://www.ball-pythons.net/PNphpBB2...pic-t-491.html

http://www.ball-pythons.net/PNphpBB2...pic-t-523.html

Looking at cage pics now to try to help with that one.

EDIT: Looking at the pics and reading the discription, they are prob. made in a mold. They dont have any other openings, other than the door/doors. I would be a little leery cause of the ventilation issue. But maybe a member has experience with these.

---

Thanks for the Flex Watt Heat Tape posts. (The 2nd one is working actually)
I seriously hope they aren't made from a mold! :shock:
I actually just found their email address, and I asked them how its being held up. Hopefully I'll have a reply soon.
I'll post their answer here for you guys.
I'm planning to install a ventilation vent, along with a few other holes for thermometer and thermostat.

PVC is plastic as far as I know. But in a lack of space these could be OK, try reptile tubs.

http://www.reptiletubs.com/

PVC is the stuff you may find under your sink for plumbing, it is strong. But trying to modify it may cause an issue, that stuff is a booger to cut and not mess up.

nope its wood

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rex322

nope its wood

---

I would use would, but its to heavy to stack.
Also I don't want to use Flex Watt heating with wood.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jeanne

PVC is plastic as far as I know. But in a lack of space these could be OK, try reptile tubs.

http://www.reptiletubs.com/

PVC is the stuff you may find under your sink for plumbing, it is strong. But trying to modify it may cause an issue, that stuff is a booger to cut and not mess up.

---

Reptile Tubs are a bit ugly. :oops:
PVC is a really thick plastic, I've actually cut PVC pipes before to make legs for my Rubbermaid tubs lol.
It isn't so bad with a dremel, but I imagine Home Depot can cut it for me if they sell it, Correct?

Yep- home depot def. does stuff like that, at least I think they would with PVC, they do just about anything else. BUt to modify it wont you have to cut into the cage you want? They may not do that. But yeah with a dremel it could work.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jeanne

Yep- home depot def. does stuff like that, at least I think they would with PVC, they do just about anything else. BUt to modify it wont you have to cut into the cage you want? They may not do that. But yeah with a dremel it could work.

---

Hmm, I hope they have PVC plastic sheets that they can cut into size for me, and cut the openings in too. Also I'd need the plexi-glass cut which I'm sure they'd do.
I'd be able to install the hinges, plexi-glass and locks.
I think the main problem I would have is with the wiring of the Flex Watt Heating Tape, I'd need to make a false floor to put the tape into.

Just a thought, I am going to home depot tomarrow anyhow, I think I will look, but I doubt you can buy sheets of pvc, what about that stuff you use to line shower stalls- it comes in sheets, you would have to build a frame.. Led4urhead did it.

Are you talking about chloraloy membrane?
Is it as strong and light-weight as plastic?

Any strong plastic as PVC would be good.
Aslong as its strong and light-weight.

I bet it (heat tape) would still work under the cage, but yes you would have to leave room for ventilation... r u worried about the wiring itself, or more of the floor issue though?

I know they cut plexi..at least they do where I am at.

No .. its not plastic .. its called shower surround. They sell it in 4'x8' sheets. Its uber thin and conducts heat well. Was easy to build. I just built a box frame made out of 1"x2" lumber and then lined 5 inside sides with the stuff. My doors were made out of 18"x24" sheets of plexi.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jeanne

I bet it (heat tape) would still work under the cage, but yes you would have to leave room for ventilation... are you worried about the wiring itself, or more of the floor issue though?

I know they cut plexi..at least they do where I am at.

---

I'm not really worried about the wiring, since I'm sure I'll be able to find a few guides on the internet, but more about the floor issue.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by led4urhead

No .. its not plastic .. its called shower surround. They sell it in 4'x8' sheets. Its uber thin and conducts heat well. Was easy to build. I just built a box frame made out of 1"x2" lumber and then lined 5 inside sides with the stuff. My doors were made out of 18"x24" sheets of plexi.

---

How are the sheets actually holding onto the lumber frame?
Also, do the sheets come in large pieces?
Since the enclosure I'm building is going to be 4x2x2.


I don't think I'll be able to make my cage look as smooth as Moonstuck Exotics and Vision Cages look, because I'm 100% sure that Vision Cages are made from molded one piece high density impact resistant polyethylene.

The sheets are held in place with screws that are covered over by a thin layer of silicone sealant. The sheets of shower surround come in 4 foot x 8 foot sheets. That is exactly the size of cage i built with one sheet for the inside.

Led can probably tell ya about using heat tape on the stuff he is talking about, I am not sure about that, but- if it is safe to put a heating pad under it, with ventialtion, why not heat tape...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by led4urhead

The sheets are held in place with screws that are covered over by a thin layer of silicone sealant. The sheets of shower surround come in 4 foot x 8 foot sheets. That is exactly the size of cage i built with one sheet for the inside.

---

Ah sorry, I missed where you posted they come in 4x8.
Do you by any chance have a picture of the enclosure?

Also, after looking at the Moonstuck Exotics cages very long, it doesn't seem to me as if they're one piece molded.
If you look careful you can see where the pieces meet.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jeanne

Led can probably tell ya about using heat tape on the stuff he is talking about, I am not sure about that, but- if it is safe to put a heating pad under it, with ventialtion, why not heat tape...

---

I don't really know if I'll even be using heat tape, I might just buy more heat pads. If the Dunlap works with the enclosure.
I even found the perfect thermostat that controls four different enclosures at once! :D

Where did ya find a thermo that does that, I need one.

Unfortunately no pics as yet .. i'll have to see if i can get a hold of a digi cam tomorrow and get some up.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jeanne

Where did ya find a thermo that does that, I need one.

---

http://www.kingsnake.com/gcsreptiles/

I've read a few posts on another forum from people that are using it and recommend it.
Its a bit pricey, but seems to be worth it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by led4urhead

Unfortunately no pics as yet .. i'll have to see if i can get a hold of a digi cam tomorrow and get some up.

---

Thanks, I'll be anxiously waiting.