custom snake enclosure

So I plan on making a 4 ft long by 2 foot deep by 2 foot high enclosure out of melamine. I want to then put a divider in the middle to make it two 2x2x2 enclosures. I hope to house my ball python in one and get a corn snake for the other. Would this be okay? I think it would, and I would obviously have to make sure that there is no way one can get into the other's enclosure. Another question I have is how to make the doors. I want to get glass doors on hinges, but another option is separate sliding glass doors for both enclosures. Which one would work best? Thanks for the help!

It really doesn't need to be 2ft tall. If you plan on using a RHP 12 to 15 inches is best. What heat source are you thinking?

As for the doors I would go with sliding glass or swinging Plexiglas.

I am planning on using 6 inch heat tape along the back of both enclosures set to 88 degrees. As for the height, does it make a difference? I'm not trying to be rude, I really want to know. Will it stress the snake out? I don't want to stress them out but I don't want to make an extra cut if I don't have to. And for the sliding doors would a hinge like this work? http://www.rockler.com/glass-door-pi...h?filter=glass
I would obviously get a lock. Thanks!

The more height the more area to heat. Its just wasted space for a ball and just more space that needs to be heated for no reason. If your room this is going in gets cool you may find you need another heat source. Heat tape does not heat the air so in a cold room your ambient temps will be low.

My gtp has a 2ft tall cage just to give you an idea of what would need a 2ft cage. A ball will climb but it in no way needs 2ft. Your plan is perfect for two gtp males but its a little much for a ball.

That style hinge should work if the material your using is thick enough to install the post.

A 6" strip of flexwatt across the back of a 2 foot cage will make it difficult for a BP (especially one of any size) to thermoregulate. 2 feet worth of snake will be able to push up against the back wall, but what about the rest of the snake? Also, when you provide a hide for the snake, it will then not be able to warm itself against the wall that's providing the heat, resulting in no actual hot spot and a waste of flexwatt.

I'd re-think either your design or your choice of inhabitants.

Ok so i have redesigned it. The whole thing is still going to be 4x2 give or take an inch, but instead of two 2x2 enclosures there are going to be four 1x2x2 enclosures. If 6 inch isn't enough, what size heat tape should I use. A 12x12 square in one corner of the enclosure? Thanks for the help!

Is it still 2 feet high?

No . It will be one foot high. Would 12x12 heat tape in one corner of each enclosure work for heating? Would this thermostat work with heat tape?http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...ile+thermostat

And what should I use for covering the heat tape? Or would it beok as long as the heat tape stays at the right temp?

It will but I wouldn't built a nice cage and go cheap on the tstat. If it were me I would go with a Herpstat4.

Flexwatt is a serious heating device and I wouldn't trust the hydrofarm with it. I bought one and if failed on others use them without issue but failing once was enough to turn me away from them. VE has a new entry level tstat that would be a better cheap choice.http://www.thevog.net/styles/smilies/TX.gif
I still would not recommend a on/off tstat and urge you to get a digital one that has the proportion option.

The heat tape goes on the outside, usually on the bottom with the tstat probe between it and the cage bottom.

I dont see a problem with having a 4x2x2 enclosure. Yes, its more area to heat, but the BPs actually stretch out if they're given the space. Plus, it's going to be easier to clean. I guess height is personal preference. If you do decide to go with a 4x2x2, you won't be stressing out your BP. Just make sure to provide some fake plants so they have some cover.

Yes, the Hydrofarm thermostat will work to regulate the heat tape. Make sure to secure the heat tape outside the enclosure.

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Would the heat tape heat it through 3/4 inch melamine?

I really doubt it. At least not without reaching unsafe temps. Your gonna need to rework that part of your design. Maybe sandwich it between that and a thin piece of melamine, of course you would need to seal the edges to keep water and urine from getting under it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr. Misha

I dont see a problem with having a 4x2x2 enclosure. Yes, its more area to heat, but the BPs actually stretch out if they're given the space. Plus, it's going to be easier to clean. I guess height is personal preference. If you do decide to go with a 4x2x2, you won't be stressing out your BP. Just make sure to provide some fake plants so they have some cover.

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The op is going to split it so the actual cage for each snake would be a 2ft cube. There is no reason to have a 2ft tall cage for a ball. I understand making it easier to clean but I find 15inches is perfect for me to still be able to clean easily and that's dealing with my blood. 12inches would ne just fine as 2ft is just wasted space for a ball.

They are now thinking of doing 4 cages that would be 2ft x 2 Ft x 1ft. Which I think is a better plan. That utilizes the space better and allows more snakes to be kept. And we all know they will need the room eventually.

Yeah. That's what I thought. I'm thinking of using some thin, waterproof vinyl tile.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KMG

There is no reason to have a 2ft tall cage for a ball. I understand making it easier to clean but I find 15inches is perfect for me to still be able to clean easily and that's dealing with my blood. 12inches would ne just fine as 2ft is just wasted space for a ball.

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In my experience, my girls climb up when they can. I agree though, 15 inches is a bit better.

This is in my Anima Plastic T12 (4x2x2). This Pastave girl is about 1,000 grams.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...5542492dac.jpg

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My brb does that with his light cord. He just crawls through it but hanging out is a cool trick. He drives me nuts.

I have a few homemade enclosures now.

I personally HATE my cages I have that are 1' high. I find it's too low and hard to maneuver around inside. I prefer the 18" I have my Bp in.

With one of my cages, we cut a square out of the wood on the bottom and covered the square with plexiglass. Then added the heat tape on the outside of the cage against the plexiglass and lined the cage with Lino. So the tape just has to heat through the plexi and Lino.


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