Jungle Carpet dream cage

I’ve had my female jungle carpet in a T8 animal plastics for a while now and it pains me seeing a pretty arboreal animal having very little space to climb (12 inches) so I set out on making a cage with the same footprint (24x48) but with much more vertical space (30) I’ve been making it out of quality plywood and I plan on epoxy coating the entire thing (inside and out)....this COMPLETELY WATERPROOFS the cage. Additionally, in the mean time I’ve been filling any knots or corner damage with five minute epoxy and sanding them smooth.

I need to cut holes for vents, order sliding window track, and have some glass cut yet. I’ve been following the animal plastics design and I’m currently crafting the face frame
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Looks great. What epoxy are you going to use? I used pond armor; it was difficult to use and costly, but it worked well.

Having built 4 plywood cages so far 3 of which have epoxy seal inside I wouldn't recommend it on the outside. Use a nice looking sealer stain instead. At least do the inside first so you get a feel for how tough it can be to work with. Using it on the outside is Overkill unless you live in a super humid climate. Looks great so far though. Keep us updated on your progress.

I plan on using just your basic flood epoxy resin for a bartop and adding black pigment...makes me wonder if I should do the outside now [emoji848]

I completed the face frame, added three 2 1/2” vent holes, and picked up a bunch of drain covers for the vents themselves tonight

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I found these on Amazon a few years ago for my vent holes on my bearded dragon enclosure. I've never used that type of epoxy so can't give any recommendations about it. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...952ac3a2bb.jpg

It’s a product called Kleer Kote for bar tops, I can order it right from the manufacturer for like $65 for two gallons total...which is the cheapest I’ve found. The pvc vents look nice, so was looking at our local home improvement store and they have a few but since want them in black which is the color of the epoxy.

Just floodcoated the bottom actuallyhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a1d80e6e73.jpg


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That Kleer Kote looks interesting. Does it come in color options or just clear? Will have to bookmark for future projects. Your perfect is coming along good. How are you planning to heat it. I'm really liking my RHPs.

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Originally Posted by gunkle

That Kleer Kote looks interesting. Does it come in color options or just clear? Will have to bookmark for future projects. Your perfect is coming along good. How are you planning to heat it. I'm really liking my RHPs.

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It only comes in clear and high gloss but the price makes it an awesome option, I ordered the pigment from amazon.

Pro-products 12x24 Rhp, 100 watt for the heat. I just cut two basking shelves with a 15” radius and one will be about a foot away from the panel underneath it for basking and the other on the cool end of the cage a little higher up just as an elevated perch. I’ll attach these and flood coat them as well in black epoxy https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5a38fac713.jpg


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Ledge shelves installed...one on the right is the basking shelf and it’ll sit about a foot away from the heat panel...other one on the cool side is quite a bit higher https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...82a100b327.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e431643cc6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...847425a409.jpg


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Looking good.

Keep up the good work

Floodcoated both shelves last night which looks unsightly because I still need to floodcoated the top, sides , and back which will cover the drips down the walls and add additional coats to the somewhat exposed plywood edges on the shelves. I’m waiting on my epoxy and pigment order but I got my sliding glass tracks in the mail from Rockler woodworking today...they’re kind of hard to find fyihttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d26cb58cbd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...34fa74045f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a4ffb48f1b.jpg

I have floodcoated the top, bottom, one side and the shelves so far. Not a terribly difficult process but very time consuming considering you can only do a maximum of one side a night while the epoxy cures.

Heat panel is ordered.

Looking great though!!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...81287374b9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2cff01b0af.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...cf2e0c1110.jpg


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Looks good.

Very cool project, I usually use silicone and multiple coats of drylock in my plywood cages. I might have to try epoxy on my next, wonder if it would hold up against tegu or monitor claws.

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Originally Posted by mdb730

Very cool project, I usually use silicone and multiple coats of drylock in my plywood cages. I might have to try epoxy on my next, wonder if it would hold up against tegu or monitor claws.

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I’m sure it would but I wouldn’t go with the high gloss epoxy in that situation then because you can still scratch it.


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Floodcoating finished finally!! It’s very hard to photograph because of the glossy nature of it though as it acts like a mirror...getting close! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...03c20a7859.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7cae92ea93.jpg


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Finished the first outside coat of dark stain/poly combo tonight, looks funny because it’s not completely dry and hasn’t soaked into the wood yet. I will do another coat tomorrow and perhaps hit it with some clear lacquer after that...then...install the heat panel, lighting, door tracks, and glass and that’s it .

The end is in sight [emoji41]

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Second stain/poly coat tonight...looks much better and much darker

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Glass arrived today [emoji41] Track 1 of 2 is being instant epoxied into place....I opted for epoxy rather than brad nails as I have no idea how people are sneeking them deep down in the track to attach the tracks to the cage itself.

Pro products heat panel also installed !https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f13a69facc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...399200ea9d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d0dcf495a3.jpg


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Glass is in! Just about there, only need to install a light yet. Any suggestions?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...967a197a22.jpg


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I used this one https://www.reptilebasics.com/led-ca.../32-led-light/

It's a triangle shape, so you install it up against the top lip and it shines inwards to the enclosure, very slim and cheap.

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Originally Posted by wnateg

I used this one https://www.reptilebasics.com/led-ca.../32-led-light/

It's a triangle shape, so you install it up against the top lip and it shines inwards to the enclosure, very slim and cheap.

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Do you notice any temperature change when it’s on?


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I also use LEDs, but the remote controlled, dimmable, color changing strip type. ~$15 on Amazon and put off little if any heat at all. All have been working fine for going on 4yrs now. Some are installed in the AP recessed light grooves, others are sealed in place with Lexel solvent caulk.


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

I also use LEDs, but the remote controlled, dimmable, color changing strip type. ~$15 on Amazon and put off little if any heat at all. All have been working fine for going on 4yrs now. Some are installed in the AP recessed light grooves, others are sealed in place with Lexel solvent caulk.


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Could you send me a link as to which ones you use? I’d appreciate it


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Originally Posted by KevinK

Could you send me a link as to which ones you use? I’d appreciate it


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https://www.amazon.com/MINGER-Waterp...minger+&sr=8-4

These are the last ones I ordered. I guess they’re more like $20 but still not a bad deal for 16’ of lights. They’re marked along the strip in increments where they can be cut to the size you need too.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

https://www.amazon.com/MINGER-Waterp...minger+&sr=8-4

These are the last ones I ordered. I guess they’re more like $20 but still not a bad deal for 16’ of lights. They’re marked along the strip in increments where they can be cut to the size you need too.


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Do you just run them on a timer ?...or do they have programmable on/off settings?

Any issue with the adhesive holding after that length of time?


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Man that turned out looking amazing! If you don’t mind me asking, how much did it cost in the end?


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Originally Posted by KevinK

Do you just run them on a timer ?...or do they have programmable on/off settings?

Any issue with the adhesive holding after that length of time?


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I just turn them on when I need to see in the cage. My room has a window that provides a photoperiod for all the critters.

The strips installed in the routered grooves in my AP cages have held tight for almost 4yrs no problem. The rest of the strips I use are sealed to the cage with lexel sealant, that stuff is tougher than nails once it’s cured


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Originally Posted by MarkL1561

Man that turned out looking amazing! If you don’t mind me asking, how much did it cost in the end?


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My expense list was :

Plywood-$50ish if I can remember
Misc boards-$10
Screws-$5
Tracks-$25
Glass-$90
Heat Panel-$125
Epoxy-$90 (price with shipping)
Epoxy pigment-$10

$405 by my calculations about with the heat panel so far give or take


So roughly a $200 savings over the AP cage of similar size if you also installed the proproducts panel in it.

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Originally Posted by KevinK

Do you notice any temperature change when it’s on?


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They dont give off any heat, and they're installed with screw brackets.

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Originally Posted by wnateg

I used this one https://www.reptilebasics.com/led-ca.../32-led-light/

It's a triangle shape, so you install it up against the top lip and it shines inwards to the enclosure, very slim and cheap.

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been looking at these. do you HAVE to get the VE power supply? also thanks for noting the triangle shape as i wouldve never noticed. im planning on using them just to grow some grasses/weeds (not the devils lettuce) in my enclosure


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Originally Posted by baldegale

been looking at these. do you HAVE to get the VE power supply? also thanks for noting the triangle shape as i wouldve never noticed. im planning on using them just to grow some grasses/weeds (not the devils lettuce) in my enclosure


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Yea, it has a circle plug that connects the light to the power supply. I don't think it's proprietary or anything, so maybe you can find another option. Yea, I didn't realize it was triangular either, I was pleasantly surprised.

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Originally Posted by wnateg

Yea, it has a circle plug that connects the light to the power supply. I don't think it's proprietary or anything, so maybe you can find another option. Yea, I didn't realize it was triangular either, I was pleasantly surprised.

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does it point primarily down? or more all the way across


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by baldegale

does it point primarily down? or more all the way across


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Pitch black room

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The enclosure is looking awesome. Can’t wait to see the finish product.

I was soooo pleased with my new Royal setup until I saw yours !!

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

I was soooo pleased with my new Royal setup until I saw yours !!

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Thanks. Yours looks great too. Personally though, I think there's something to be said about simpler, sterile enclosures. I have reservations about even putting my scrub in it because she's so hard to handle.

With the cage done except for the lights I started building a basic stand for it today

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Originally Posted by wnateg

Thanks. Yours looks great too. Personally though, I think there's something to be said about simpler, sterile enclosures. I have reservations about even putting my scrub in it because she's so hard to handle.

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It doesn't look overly involved to me. Are you able to remove the 2 large branches?

I'm able to remove all 3 of my perches in my cage. One is actually a real tree trunk.

My rule of thumb is not to take the retic out if he's perched. If I have to go in, he gets a few taps and I'll do what I need to do.

He always ends up on the floor at some point, and that's when I'll remove him for major cleaning.

Unfortunately, I no longer view the retic as a snake to take out and handle for fun. He is still worked with and he has not bitten me since last January so he can behave. I prefer he enjoys his display cage and stays busy with the "options" inside.

I don't imagine a scrub being a joy to handle either. I do see your point about sterile caging, however I think you'll see more naturalistic behaviors with the beautiful cage you have there.

Honestly, some of the dirtiest cages I've seen have newsprint for substrate or a similar paper product. There is no absorption with it compared to a husk or cypress product The animals usually will crawl through their own waste when its exposed on flat paper and you have to constantly check the enclosure.

I prefer finding a dried chunk of urate or feces that is covered in the substrate and scooping it out. Its like a litter box for snakes with the right flooring. This is only my opinion, and I know others prefer totally sterile.

I'd at least give it a try and see how it fits into your operation there.

Good luck.

Stand is complete (going to leave it unfinished), cage complete except for the light. Turned out pretty nice I think. Next pictures will be of the installed light and the complete habitat setup.

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Nice Kev,

I like the unfinished wood for the stand. Unique look that enhances the look of the cage.

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Originally Posted by Gio

It doesn't look overly involved to me. Are you able to remove the 2 large branches?

I'm able to remove all 3 of my perches in my cage. One is actually a real tree trunk.

My rule of thumb is not to take the retic out if he's perched. If I have to go in, he gets a few taps and I'll do what I need to do.

He always ends up on the floor at some point, and that's when I'll remove him for major cleaning.

Unfortunately, I no longer view the retic as a snake to take out and handle for fun. He is still worked with and he has not bitten me since last January so he can behave. I prefer he enjoys his display cage and stays busy with the "options" inside.

I don't imagine a scrub being a joy to handle either. I do see your point about sterile caging, however I think you'll see more naturalistic behaviors with the beautiful cage you have there.

Honestly, some of the dirtiest cages I've seen have newsprint for substrate or a similar paper product. There is no absorption with it compared to a husk or cypress product The animals usually will crawl through their own waste when its exposed on flat paper and you have to constantly check the enclosure.

I prefer finding a dried chunk of urate or feces that is covered in the substrate and scooping it out. Its like a litter box for snakes with the right flooring. This is only my opinion, and I know others prefer totally sterile.

I'd at least give it a try and see how it fits into your operation there.

Good luck.

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The branches are not removable. The hide is though.

Yea, sterile may have been a bit of stretch, but something more simple, easier to clean and maintain (and cheaper). I was going to do live plants in the one I built, but I decided it was just too much. Trying to keep some plants alive when the focus should be on the animal. I'm just trying to find the right balance at this point still.

Installed a 42” vivarium electronics led from reptile basics last night. Awesome fixture but I wish it were slightly brighter. Thanks for all the suggestions everyone.

Looks great though and now you can see what’s going on inside the cage finally....On a sidenote I have decided to replace the sink cover vents with some 3-D printed ones that will be made out of black filament so I just have to draw those up and get them in there ....I do have a rather large order from LLL reptile coming in of various cage decor.

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Nicely done!

I like it a lot.

LLL order arrived today with all the cage decor... The only thing I wasn’t able to use from the order was a stone water dish because I didn’t believe it held enough water to raise the cage humidity .

Vents I ended up using the same ones I had with some super tiny self drilling screws and they look great. Don’t have enough time right now to 3D print them

RHP is heating up so I’ll introduce the snake to the cage when it finally heats up. Takes a bit with this size of cage.
So without further ado...

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Well done. That's one great looking enclosure. You have one lucky pet. I've enjoyed following your progress

That looks sharp man! Great documentation of the build progress too! Can’t wait to see pics with the critter in there


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