DIY cage with underground hides

I originally posted this on the caging forum but it is a DIY so I thought I'd share here. Not sure which is the correct forum.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=246056

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...44b16b17a5.jpg

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More and more, I like this idea.

It allows for both a planted tank, and easy access to the snake. It also precludes having to warm the big tank, but keeps the animal warm below. I like forty-breeder glass tanks. Drilling the bottom, and setting up in a frame that would take the lower tubs would be a big project, but would have many advantages once finished.

I would take out the sliding lid the Zilla brand comes with, and incorporate a precisely fitted lid on the frame, piano hinged at the back (similar to OP kevall1's interior light box). The lid could have lighting, and possibly an RHP installed within it, and all the cords could be routed out down inside the frame's back. The whole thing could be nicely enclosed and very attractive looking.

Thanks to the OP.

That sounds like a great idea. I'm having a hard time seeing it completely in my mind, but I can almost see it. When you build it I would love to see it.

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Will do.

cleaning the underground tunnels would be a pain unless you could easily remove the bottom of the enclosure. That setup looks awesome !

I've been throwing around the idea of underground terra cotta hides for my Savannah Monitor to reduce weight of the soil. Probably going to do that for both it and my Mangrove as both require a large amount of soil.

Nice setup, by the way

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Originally Posted by Ba11er

cleaning the underground tunnels would be a pain unless you could easily remove the bottom of the enclosure. That setup looks awesome !

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If you check out the link to the other page that was posted in the first post, the underground hides are both pull out tubs.

Ah finally a "tank" setup I can get behind. This is the most natural attempt I have seen.

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Originally Posted by Ba11er

cleaning the underground tunnels would be a pain unless you could easily remove the bottom of the enclosure. That setup looks awesome !

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Thank you all. Yes, the "underground hides" are simply tubs that I can pull out and wash like any other tubs. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1cebc95293.jpg

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Oh my god, I didn't even realize this was the "how about both" thread. I was totally wrong in my assumption glancing at that thread, I'd thought you were just housing both tubs and vivs together, not that your viv was connected to your tubs.

This is officially AWESOME

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Originally Posted by Oxylepy

Oh my god, I didn't even realize this was the "how about both" thread. I was totally wrong in my assumption glancing at that thread, I'd thought you were just housing both tubs and vivs together, not that your viv was connected to your tubs.

This is officially AWESOME

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Thanks Oxylepy. I may have left that too open for interpretation.

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Yup, definitely awesome!!!:gj:

This is amazing I looked at the other thread. And it's a great idea I wish I could do something like this. Lol

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Originally Posted by distaff

More and more, I like this idea.

It allows for both a planted tank, and easy access to the snake. It also precludes having to warm the big tank, but keeps the animal warm below. I like forty-breeder glass tanks. Drilling the bottom, and setting up in a frame that would take the lower tubs would be a big project, but would have many advantages once finished.

I would take out the sliding lid the Zilla brand comes with, and incorporate a precisely fitted lid on the frame, piano hinged at the back (similar to OP kevall1's interior light box). The lid could have lighting, and possibly an RHP installed within it, and all the cords could be routed out down inside the frame's back. The whole thing could be nicely enclosed and very attractive looking.

Thanks to the OP.

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So I've been trying to envision your idea. I think I may have a rough idea. Is it something like this?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...72e6ac0558.jpg

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Yes.
Exactly.

I drew it out in my note book, and made a shopping list. Need a few things from Lowe's.
Might do this sooner than later, with a an old tank I'm not currently using.

Depends, have to convince BF of how awesome this would be, and that we "need" another snake enclosure. Not his hobby, and it does kind of take over the house.

Really cool. I like that. I've had no experience cutting holes in glass, but I'd imagine that would be the toughest part.

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Originally Posted by kevall1

Really cool. I like that. I've had no experience cutting holes in glass, but I'd imagine that would be the toughest part.

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That looks really nice. I agree, the cutting the glass would be the toughest part. Then you would need some sort of gasket or something to enclose any sharp edges.
I love this idea though.
Complete brainstorm here, but would it be easier to remove the entire bottom glass pane along the seams and replace it with plexi or something?

Yeah those cat burglars in the movies make cutting perfect circles in glass look so easy. 😂

I'm sure its not as difficult as I imagine and it would be a nice clean look. Really well rounded edges would make it safe but I'm not sure how thats done. Where are our glass experts at?

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

That looks really nice. I agree, the cutting the glass would be the toughest part. Then you would need some sort of gasket or something to enclose any sharp edges.
I love this idea though.
Complete brainstorm here, but would it be easier to remove the entire bottom glass pane along the seams and replace it with plexi or something?

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I recently watched a video from The King of DIY and removing the bottom glass means disassembling the entire tank since the sides, front and back sit on top of it. The glass is definitely going to be the biggest undertaking but it's such a cool idea it'd be worth it.

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Originally Posted by kevall1

I recently watched a video from The King of DIY and removing the bottom glass means disassembling the entire tank since the sides, front and back sit on top of it. The glass is definitely going to be the biggest undertaking but it's such a cool idea it'd be worth it.

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Ok, I kinda figured that would be a no-go. But figured I'd see if somebody had a definitive answer. Thanks.

I have a little bit of experience cutting tanks for aquarium plumbing and have this bit of caution to warn: DO NOT USE TEMPERED GLASS. It will completely shatter.

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Originally Posted by Lizardlicks

I have a little bit of experience cutting tanks for aquarium plumbing and have this bit of caution to warn: DO NOT USE TEMPERED GLASS. It will completely shatter.

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So maybe craigafrechette's idea for the plexi bottom would be the best route.

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Originally Posted by kevall1

Yeah those cat burglars in the movies make cutting perfect circles in glass look so easy. ��

I'm sure its not as difficult as I imagine and it would be a nice clean look. Really well rounded edges would make it safe but I'm not sure how thats done. Where are our glass experts at?

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I've never done it before, but there are videos. You use a special diamond bit on a regular drill. Putty is usually smeared on the area to make a dam to keep a small amount of water on the drill site, and the glass is well supported. Other than that, it's about like using a hole saw to drill wood. Large scale fish keepers commonly drill for overflows and filtration so water changes on all the tanks can be automated.

Yes, the bottom pane could be removed (big hassle, however), and acrylic inserted, but one would have still have to drill the hole. Also, silicone doesn't stick to acrylic (plexy - don't know) as well as it sticks to glass (acrylic tanks are glued together differently). I'd want things reliably water tight for a planted tank, which is why I'd choose a glass tank to begin with. I would just find a couple of suitable plumbing pvc fittings/gasget to line the cut hole, and make a short stand-up pipe to serve as a barrier to keep the substrate from falling down.

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Originally Posted by distaff

I've never done it before, but there are videos. You use a special diamond bit. Putty is usually smeared on the area to make a dam to keep a small amount of water on the drill site, and the glass is well supported. Other than that, it's about like using a hole saw to drill wood. Large scale fish keepers commonly drill for overflows and filtration so water changes on all the tanks can be automated.

Yes, the bottom pane could be removed (big hassle, however), and acrylic inserted, but one would have still have to drill the hole. Also, silicone doesn't stick to acrylic (plexy - don't know) as well as it sticks to glass (acrylic tanks are glued together differently). I'd want things reliably water tight for a planted tank, which is why I'd choose a glass tank to begin with. I would just find a couple of suitable plumbing pvc fittings/gasget to line the cut hole, and make a short stand-up pipe to serve as a barrier to keep the substrate from falling down.

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Just a quick question. Are you planning on having a bioactive substrate?

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Originally Posted by Lizardlicks

I have a little bit of experience cutting tanks for aquarium plumbing and have this bit of caution to warn: DO NOT USE TEMPERED GLASS. It will completely shatter.

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What about using a glass tank from a pet store because this gives me an idea for a glass tank if the glass on the bottom won't shatter


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Originally Posted by imhumpty

What about using a glass tank from a pet store because this gives me an idea for a glass tank if the glass on the bottom won't shatter


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Yes. I believe that was Distaff's plan. Correct me if I'm wrong.

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Originally Posted by kevall1

Yes. I believe that was Distaff's plan. Correct me if I'm wrong.

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Awesome! I just need to wait for the $1 per gallon sale then


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Originally Posted by kevall1

Yes. I believe that was Distaff's plan. Correct me if I'm wrong.

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My plan is getting a 75g tank and doing some amazing things to it. I know my snake doesn't need that much space she's in a 40 gallon breeder and people keep on telling me it's going to be hard to regulate the temperature and the humidity but it's something I want to do. And I can't away from this 75g tank I want to do. And now that I can cut holes in the bottom it will add to my idea.


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Definitely follow your passion. The 75 gallon would come with some heating difficulties but you could go with a wood, pvc or melamine build. They hold heat better than a glass tank and you could build the same size. Also, a little easier to cut. Either way, I think you should go for it. I got the "build the better enclosure" bug and it never went away.

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Originally Posted by kevall1

Definitely follow your passion. The 75 gallon would come with some heating difficulties but you could go with a wood, pvc or melamine build. They hold heat better than a glass tank and you could build the same size. Also, a little easier to cut. Either way, I think you should go for it. I got the "build the better enclosure" bug and it never went away.

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When you say melamine build, what does that mean lol sorry I'm a noob at this stuff. Yes definitely I'm going to go with the 75g


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Melamine is a compressed particle board that has a water resistant layer on it (except for the edges). It usually comes in white but there are other colors available. Thats what I use. It's quite heavy (as is glass) but I like it because I don't have to put sealant on the surface. I just put nontoxic silicone in the corners and veneer edging on the exposed sides.

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Originally Posted by kevall1

Melamine is a compressed particle board that has a water resistant layer on it (except for the edges). It usually comes in white but there are other colors available. Thats what I use. It's quite heavy (as is glass) but I like it because I don't have to put sealant on the surface. I just put nontoxic silicone in the corners and veneer edging on the exposed sides.

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Where would I buy this at


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Lowes, home depot and Menards sell it. Lowes and Home Depot will cut it for you. They sell it in 4'x8' sheets.

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Originally Posted by imhumpty

Where would I buy this at


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I've built these with it.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a55d0c608a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...72174e1806.jpg

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Originally Posted by kevall1

I've built these with it.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a55d0c608a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...72174e1806.jpg

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Maybe I can do that instead of using a 75g tank thank you for the information


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Originally Posted by imhumpty

Maybe I can do that instead of using a 75g tank thank you for the information


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No problem. If you need help with anything don't be afraid to ask. The important thing is to make sure no water gets under the white thermal infused cover on the wood. Thats why I silicone the corners. Also the edging is hard to find. I bought mine at Lowe's in the section where they sell moulding. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...af065dba40.jpg

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Originally Posted by kevall1

No problem. If you need help with anything don't be afraid to ask. The important thing is to make sure no water gets under the white thermal infused cover on the wood. Thats why I silicone the corners. Also the edging is hard to find. I bought mine at Lowe's in the section where they sell moulding. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...af065dba40.jpg

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I'm going to look after I get off of work.


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Yes, bio-active planted, and drill the glass bottom.

I like the glass, because unlike melamine, you never have to worry about it swelling. It is of course, recommended to seal melamine anyway, but In my experience, the stuff eventually swells. Even a small ding or scratch can let in moisture. Not good for a planted tank that has a gravel collecting excess water below the bio-active layer. That said, melamine would be a good choice for the outer cover/frame, and tub shelf, just not the interior of the viv.

One could use sealed plywood - some people make aquariums out of plywood, but I'm not familiar with the process, and the sealants sound unpleasant to work with.

The other advantage to an aquarium is that used ones can be purchased for much less. (The 35 gal I have was purchased for $5 several years ago..and if I crack it while drilling, not much money lost.) It is actually NOT recommended to put fish in a second-hand glass aquarium that came from someone else. Even if the tank appears to hold water, when filled, it is under a lot of pressure (8lbs/gal) and the old silicone that spent who knows how much time dry in someone's attic or garage may not hold up long in your home when re-filled to the brim. But...they work great re-purposed as a viv. They just have to hold a bit of water on the bottom. You can even use a repaired cracked one.

Kevall1 those are beautiful! Very professional.
My wood working efforts tend to be a bit more "rustic." I've never made finished interior furniture, just pieces for our barns and out buildings.

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Originally Posted by distaff

Yes, bio-active planted, and drill the glass bottom.

I like the glass, because unlike melamine, you never have to worry about it swelling. It is of course, recommended to seal melamine anyway, but In my experience, the stuff eventually swells. Even a small ding or scratch can let in moisture. Not good for a planted tank that has a gravel collecting excess water below the bio-active layer. That said, melamine would be a good choice for the outer cover/frame, and tub shelf, just not the interior of the viv.

One could use sealed plywood - some people make aquariums out of plywood, but I'm not familiar with the process, and the sealants sound unpleasant to work with.

The other advantage to an aquarium is that used ones can be purchased for much less. (The 35 gal I have was purchased for $5 several years ago..and if I crack it while drilling, not much money lost.) It is actually NOT recommended to put fish in a second-hand glass aquarium that came from someone else. Even if the tank appears to hold water, when filled, it is under a lot of pressure (8lbs/gal) and the old silicone that spent who knows how much time dry in someone's attic or garage may not hold up long in your home when re-filled to the brim. But...they work great re-purposed as a viv. They just have to hold a bit of water on the bottom. You can even use a repaired cracked one.

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Yes, I've been interested in going bioactive but I know I cannot go that route with melamine. I use aspen so moisture should be held to a minimum. My biggest concern would be a spilled water bowl but I put my water bowl underground in the cool side tub.

I've seen where they install pond liner for the bioactive substrate on melamine. I really don't want to go that route, however, the pond sealant that the DIY King uses on his plywood aquariums could be an option, but I'm not sure if it's effective on melamine.

If I decide to go bioactive, is there a homemade substrate mix I could use that's a little drier and wouldn't require a drainage layer? Since I'd be using it for a ball python, I don't want the substrate to be too wet anyway.

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So I found out Petco has their $1 per gallon sale right now but the downside is the 40, 55 and 75 gallon tanks are only 50% off and no petco stores have a 75g in stock which is odd because the sale started 4/1/17. Even of Petcos forum site people are posting everywhere that no petco stores have the 75 gallon in stock and they tell them a certain store has it but they don't at all. This is kind of annoying because I'd love to pay half off for the tank and get a 4 inch circular glass drill bit and make the holes in the bottom of it for the hides.


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Seems to always be that way. I don't know how you feel about used ones but I always see them on local Facebook reptile or fish groups. Maybe even craigslist.

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Originally Posted by kevall1

Seems to always be that way. I don't know how you feel about used ones but I always see them on local Facebook reptile or fish groups. Maybe even craigslist.

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I never seen any on Craigslist me and my girl were even thinking about checking the pet stores since we hear how they throw out really good tanks almost all of the time.


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Originally Posted by imhumpty

I never seen any on Craigslist me and my girl were even thinking about checking the pet stores since we hear how they throw out really good tanks almost all of the time.


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Are you in any facebook groups? I searched in my area and turned up a bunch within 20 miles. I can't imagine that wherever you are would be all that different. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e9dafe1c7e.jpg

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Originally Posted by kevall1

Are you in any facebook groups? I searched in my area and turned up a bunch within 20 miles. I can't imagine that wherever you are would be all that different. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e9dafe1c7e.jpg

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Could I use a UTH on a tub? Or could I only use a heat mat or is there really a difference between them.


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Both would work fine in my opinion

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Is there a special type of tub id need to use?


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Originally Posted by kevall1

Both would work fine in my opinion

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With that is there a certain tub I should be using?


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Not really. Ideally something with a flat bottom but sterilite tubs will work.

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Originally Posted by kevall1

Not really. Ideally something with a flat bottom but sterilite tubs will work.

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Okay now I'm just having trouble finding a glass bit that will cut a big enough hole into the tank any ideas


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