New GTP enclosure build (pic heavy)

[itzazoo]

So last few weeks I've been in the process of creating a new enclosure for my GTP. Just thought I would share. I used a 18x18x24 Exo Terra I got off Craigslist for $20.

Started by using Right Stuff spray foam for background and sides. One side a day. Also I silicone three rod holders to the sides before I sprayed on the foam. I did the sides just to give him a little more security since he's still a juvenile.


Once that was completed I applied and rubbed in black silicone until one side was completely covered. Then I added Eco Earth and let that set for 24 hrs. I did this for all three sides. One side a day.


This part completed


Next I replaced the screen top with a piece of 1/4" HDPE board I ordered from Grainger. Then took it to Lowes and had them cut it to the size I needed 17"x17".


Then attached a Pro-Products heat panel.


Made some perches using flexible 1/4" pvc and coated them with black silicone and rolled them in Eco Earth. They wouldn't scorch so I did this instead. Guess only the bigger pvc will scorch.


Added some LED Tape for lighting and on a dimmer. It's set at low in the 1st pic and high on next pic.


Some cypress for the bottom, fake plants on sides and live potted plants on bottom.


Still not done. I'm waiting on my Herpstat 1 and even though its been nearly two weeks since the silicone application, I'm gonna let it sit for another couple weeks just to make sure everything is cured before adding the GTP. Any comments,concerns or ideas are appreciated. This is the first time I've done anything like this. Also the silicone was labeled for aquarium use. I special ordered it.

[Gio]

I've been slow in the morelia forum. Apologies!!

Nice build, and interesting post.

I'm looking forward to the pictures with the snake in it.

[KMG]

It looks nice but I worry how cleaning the sides and perches is going to be. My gtp likes to relieve himself while climbing about which leads to urine trails over the perches and even on the sides. Maybe my boy is just messy.

I really like the led lights. I want to upgrade my setups to them eventually.

[calmolly1]

I love the led lights but bought the battery ones and it is a pain and expensive! Trying to find some that are electric!

[MarkS]

Sounds like a good idea, I've heard of people doing their frog tanks like that but not snake caging, I don't see why it wouldn't work though. Like KMG said though I'd worry about cleanup. I have heard that some brands of heat panels can short out in a high humidity environment but that's hearsay and I don't know of any specific instances might be worth researching though. I really like the LED lighting idea too.

[itzazoo]

Y'all brought up some good thoughts about cleaning. I guess building this was all in good intentions for the snake as well as a nice display. I spent the last few days thinking about the clean-up and how this is going to affect the long run as a snake enclosure. So I've decided not to put him in this after all. Instead I'm giving this to my son for his tree frog and I will be purchasing a enclosure by PVC Cages. Not sure why I didn't do this first. All my other snakes have been in Animal Plastic enclosures for over 14 yrs with out any problems. Oh well. But I really appreciate all the concerns.

[KMG]

My GTP is in a cage from PVC Cages and I love it. It is rock solid.

[Smarion0006]

Y'all brought up some good thoughts about cleaning. I guess building this was all in good intentions for the snake as well as a nice display. I spent the last few days thinking about the clean-up and how this is going to affect the long run as a snake enclosure. So I've decided not to put him in this after all. Instead I'm giving this to my son for his tree frog and I will be purchasing a enclosure by PVC Cages. Not sure why I didn't do this first. All my other snakes have been in Animal Plastic enclosures for over 14 yrs with out any problems. Oh well. But I really appreciate all the concerns.

I'm sure your son is really going to appreciate the cage that you worked so hard on. Lucky tree frogs!

[nucklehead97]

Such an awesome build congratulations!

[babyknees]

Cool cage, would love to see pics with the frogs in it. Sad you didn't get to use your creation but you'll love your cage from PVC cages!