Built an enclosure..Neet heat rec

Jason_01 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-06-2007, 07:02 PM

It's 4'Lx2'Wx2'H. I framed it with 2x2'x and used 1/4 inch brownboard/hardboard for paneling... I mounted an enclosed fluorescent light inside and was hoping to use 11" flexwatt heat tape on the outside under portion of the tank... My concern is that it won't come through the panel and would like opinions from yopu folks with the experience. Thanks all!

Ranger · #2 (**permalink**) 10-06-2007, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason_01

It's 4'Lx2'Wx2'H. I framed it with 2x2'x and used 1/4 inch brownboard/hardboard for paneling... I mounted an enclosed fluorescent light inside and was hoping to use 11" flexwatt heat tape on the outside under portion of the tank... My concern is that it won't come through the panel and would like opinions from yopu folks with the experience. Thanks all!

What's the plan for waterproofing the brownboard? If it's not waterproofed, it will become a urine and feces sponge and then you'll be growing bacteria/mold that are harmful to your snake. If you take the same design idea and panel it with shower surround, it will already be waterproof. Or, you can pick up some cheap linoleum and cover it all and caulk the seams with silicon.

Jason_01 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-06-2007, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

What's the plan for waterproofing the brownboard? If it's not waterproofed, it will become a urine and feces sponge and then you'll be growing bacteria/mold that are harmful to your snake. If you take the same design idea and panel it with shower surround, it will already be waterproof. Or, you can pick up some cheap linoleum and cover it all and caulk the seams with silicon.

Actually picked up the linoleum this morning... My Brother in law reccomended that as well. Any thoughts on the flexwatt?...

bblis001 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 03:26 AM

i have almost the same setup (shower surround instead of brownboard though) and use an ExoTerra Large Heat Wave mat on a thermostat stuck to the bottom of the shower surround (outside) and have had good results, never used the flexwatt stuff before. Key is to make sure that your seams on this cage are good and sealed with silicone or something to make sure the heat and humidity stay in, and to help keep the wood and brownboard form going bad on you.

tbowman · #5 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 08:02 AM

This was posted awhile back I don't know if it will help you or not, but it might.

http://redtailboa.net/forums/caging-...stall+flexwatt

Jason_01 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 05:31 PM

I only put the linoleum on the bottom.. was I supposed to do the sides and back as well?...

Whammytap · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2007, 08:43 PM

Yes--you want to be able to disinfect that cage like a hospital room--no porous surfaces. So all 6 sides of the cage need to be plastic, glass, ceramic...something that won't give any nooks or crannies to harbor bacteria, and something you can soak in disinfectant without the moisture damaging it.

Have you considered radiant heat from above, like a ceramic heat emitter? They can be a bit expensive to start, but I got a bulb for $30 and so far it's lasted 2 years.

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