Lightweight, attractive enclosure for 1 snake?

I SO understand...I have some very large glass tanks that are a stretch for me to reach into the bottom of as well, but in part because of the height of the
furniture they're sitting on. So maybe you need to re-think what this tank is setting on? It's not hard to find a coffee table (etc) that a 40 gal. tank will fit on,
& remember, stretching is good for you. ;)

Heat lamps are ok as supplemental heating, but first off I'd recommend using UTH (under tank heat). You don't want a heavy glass tank sitting on wires, so
what I use is rubber weatherstripping that comes on a flat roll (available in any hardware/home improvement store)- it's peel & stick & I install it on the bottom
edges of all my tanks, leaving a few gaps (1-2") for wires to go thru and for the UTH to "breathe" as required for safe operation.

If you're a "do-it-yourselfer" like I am, & obviously gunkle is, there are ways to customize (re-purpose) furniture cabinets to be both practical & functional while
looking good, but honestly for what you want, I think the prices on "showcasecages" are not bad at all, when you add up both know-how & features you want.
I have no feedback about their cages one way or the other, I always recommend further investigation, especially for such an investment, but I see why you like.

There is/was? a company that builds cages with hoods, but you'd still have the height issue, & as you say, you plan to be dealing with this for quite a while. For
that matter, a local handyman (one that doesn't pass out when he or she sees a snake) might be able to help you with a custom hood without it costing "an arm
& a leg". BTW, glass tanks are NOT all the same exact dimensions for any given capacity, so before you invest in a ready-made "hood", measure TWICE & check
carefully with the source. Have you checked with any local tropical fish shops? They may know of someone who could help you customize with a hood, etc.

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Originally Posted by melissa

I did see your thread in DIY before I posted here! Actually it was what made me realize how out of my depth I'd be attempting to build something on my own! :D

Though I do admire your skills!!

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Thanks for the compliment. Not much on the skills though. It was very basic woodworking. Home Depot did most of the cuts for me. I really like the looks of the work at Showcase cages. That is skill, but its all doable with a little help. You may be surprised what your friends can do or know. On the other hand pretends2bnormal is correct that you can make a PVC cage fit into most rooms nicely. Just remember that BP's typically don't like to be in high traffic areas. I would look into construction and thickness of materials of any PVC cage your interested in as it could be done cheaply or with care and well made. Also show off your new little one. We love pictures.

For pvc cages, I really like my Reptile Basics cages. Their turnaround is far shorter than anyone else, usually 2-3 weeks. I haven’t seen Orb cages in person, so I have no idea about quality or order times. They are very innovative, but also pricy. Links to both below.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/reptile-cages/

https://www.terra-orb.com/store/c6/Orbs.html

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Originally Posted by Dianne

For pvc cages, I really like my Reptile Basics cages. Their turnaround is far shorter than anyone else, usually 2-3 weeks. I haven’t seen Orb cages in person, so I have no idea about quality or order times. They are very innovative, but also pricy. Links to both below.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/reptile-cages/

https://www.terra-orb.com/store/c6/Orbs.html

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Never heard of the Terra-Orb once but they are nice looking glass cages.

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Originally Posted by gunkle

Never heard of the Terra-Orb once but they are nice looking glass cages.

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Somebody here posted that they had seen these at a show. Of course I had to go check them out. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dianne

Somebody here posted that they had seen these at a show. Of course I had to go check them out. :D

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I may have to borrow the Tree post in the middle idea in my crested gecko enclosure when I get to building it.:D

I am a fan of Jim's cages at pvccages.com. I have used them (still do) and have been very satisfied with them

It sounds like you need a handyman to make you a canopy— to hide all the above equipment.

I’ve hired carpenters to make me things before- it’s worth it.

Showcase has been around a long time. I’ve always felt they’re expensive for what they were.

I do like the PVC, I’ve seen many setups that look very nice.

It's not lightweight, but I really love my front-opening exo-terras. They are really nice to look at -- I put in lots of decorations and real and artificial pants. Easy to clean and easy to maintain humidity when the top is mostly covered. I bought one on discount at a reptile store-- I asked them when they would go on sale. I bought the other one used on Craigslist and just scrubbed and cleaned it well and put it in the sun before using it.

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Originally Posted by FollowTheSun

It's not lightweight, but I really love my front-opening exo-terras. They are really nice to look at -- I put in lots of decorations and real and artificial pants. Easy to clean and easy to maintain humidity when the top is mostly covered. I bought one on discount at a reptile store-- I asked them when they would go on sale. I bought the other one used on Craigslist and just scrubbed and cleaned it well and put it in the sun before using it.

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Same ... they’re really cheap if you get used ones and they clean up easily ..look new .

They have such a huge range of size/shapes plus good quality fittings .

I also like the raised windows/doors which gives a waterproof lower section if you want a water feature of some kind ... great for amphibians and BRBs ..

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