Building a cage... am I doing it right?

[I BALL OUT]

Hey,
I am in the process of planning out a cage build. I am looking to build a T8 style cage out of 1/2 inch thick PVC and plexi glass for the door. I wanted to make sure that the size of 32Long x 16Wide x14Tall would be a good lifetime cage for a BP (its the best foot print for the area I have for it). I am looking to make a stackable 4 cage display tower kind of thing. I already have a local place that I can get 8x4 sheets of 1/2 inch pvc and have it cut to my request. I was would also like to know if you guys think that heat tape will be strong enough to heat through 1/2 inch pvc. I am going with 1/2 inch rather then 1/4 inch because my house is always cool to cold 65-68 and I figured the extra mass would give me better insulation, make it more ridged and also give me a little more room for error too. If not I can make a cut out on the bottom with a plexi glass insert so I can heat through plexi rather than the 1/2 in pvc. I was thinking of just buying a t8 but I can build 2 of mine for substantially less than the cost of one T8. And I am a project kinda guy and halfway decent craftsman.


I was also kicking around the idea of heating it with CHE bulb inside the cage with a protective cage around the light??????


Let ma know what you guys think and any advice or sugestions would be appreciated.

[Citrus]

Yes





























Sorry but seriously would like to see pictures it sounds cool

[I BALL OUT]

Yes


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LOL There where a few different questions care to elaborate which one is the yes for lol

I will deff post some pictures of the build and finished product.

[Eric Alan]

Your dimensions are good, as they align closely with the size of the tubs most commonly used for adult BPs. As far as the other building aspects, I'll have to defer to some of the other more DIY-savy folks here.

[frostysBP]

I would go with a RHP over a CHE

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[I BALL OUT]

I would go with a RHP over a CHE

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I am hoping to go with heat tape rather than either of them but I don't know if its going to be able to heat the whole thing to the proper temps but I like it I will keep the RHP in mind

[frostysBP]

I'm just saying I would go RHP if flexwatt dose not cut it

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[M.P.C]

Your better off with a rhp, the heat tape it self wont help with your ambients in the tank, your either gonna have to raise the rooms temps, use a second heat source or just use a rhp by its selfs and solve all your problems.... heat tape only heats the area its in contact with and a very small area above it

[JoshSloane]

If I were you I would definitely go with the RHP and a thermostat. I never liked the look or build of an enclosure with flexwatt on the exterior, and you definitely do not want exposed flexwatt on the inside. RHPs are the way to go for this type of project. Just hook that sucker up and keep your ambients at 80 deg and you are golden.

[I BALL OUT]

Ok I was just looking up RPH do you think a 40 watt will cover it or should I go with 80 watt. The only reason I was thinking CHE was the cost but I guess buy once cry once