Different design...different problems

[Jubal]

First of all, hello. I 've owned a few ball pythons and recently I acquired a baby red tail. I'm perfectly aware that they can grow to be around 8 feet long. I'm also perfectly aware that the dimensions of the box above are 36" x "18 x 18"

I figure this should be fine for the next year or so and since it wasn't that hard to build, a bigger one shouldn't be a problem.

So here are my questions:

1. Heating. I've heard radiant heat panels are the best way to go, especially in a wooden enclosure (mdf board). Where can I purchase them? Links? And how would you guys go about mounting an incandescent fixture in there? The top will be opening plexiglass.

2. Aquarium sealant. I have some but I don't get why it's necessary. This thing can hold water it's so flush. And is there anything else I should do to treat the wood or make it ready to support my red tail?

Thanks in advance. My apologies if some of these have been answered in previous threads...I just haven't had the time to go searching around.

Regards,
Kevin


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[ss26969]

i would still use some sealant because if the snake spills the water dish you dont want that to leak. for the heat i would just use a lamp with a bulb. it won't burn the top. also before you use it spray it down with bleach just in case. hope this helps [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
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[ss26969]

also welcome to the site...... look around and have fun !!!!
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[impermanentrage]

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font class="pn-sub">Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT class="pn-sub"><BLOCKQUOTE>1. Heating. I've heard radiant heat panels are the best way to go, especially in a wooden enclosure (mdf board). Where can I purchase them? Links? </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>

Go to the specials section and than click on heating/cooling supplies.

You wont find cheaper.



<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font class="pn-sub">Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT class="pn-sub"><BLOCKQUOTE> And how would you guys go about mounting an incandescent fixture in there? </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>

Go to a home imrovement store and pick up a ceramic incandescent bulb fixture. The ones with the flat base that most use for storage sheds, closets and the like. Get one without the drawsring, and pickup an electrical lampcord. Than all you'll need is a screwdriver and a wire stripper/cutter. Some will advise you did get some sort of mesh covering(such as a gutter drain catcher) to cover the bulb. Some snakes will come in contact with the bulbs, yet others wont. It's primarily up to you.

Peace,
Alex

_________________
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Edward Abbey

[NYCSpeedcore]

Heat Pannel

The silicon is to keep poop from leaking into the cracks and letting all sorts of stuff grow there as well as rot the wood.
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[LdyDrgn]

You also need to seal the wood. It may 'hold water' but do you have any idea how much damage water, let alone urine and feces, will do to the wood? It will not only begin to fall apart, but it will absorb the bacteria present and you'll never get it clean, at which point you'll have to trash the whole thing. Seal it up with some polycrylic, I think about 3 coats of it and let it dry thoroughly. Then use the aquarium sealant to block any possible leaks. Good luck with it.
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[Jubal]

I appreciate the help...gonna grab some polycrylic before I install the plexiglass.

And do you think a 12x12 radiant heat pad is enough? If not what's the best option for a secondary heat source?
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I'd probably go for a 12&quot;x18&quot; just to get full one third heating coverage
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[Jubal]

Just an update...



I have the 12x18 radiant heat pad ordered. And tomorrow and saturday are going to be spent sealing the enclosure and letting it dry out.
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[NYCSpeedcore]

Looks great! That is actually a pretty unique design for a cage... I have never seen one like that before. That would make a great setup on a larger scale for my living room. Great idea. Good choice going with the heat pannel, my suggestion is to mount it on the back wall as close to one end as possible. You should also have a thermostat rigged up to it so your snake cannot burn himself on it.
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[Jubal]

Thanks, although I'm still working on an easy locking mechanism. Magnetic maybe...

I also finished the polycrylic job and it looks nice. I just need to seal up the cracks and install the heat pad when it comes and I'll be ready to go!
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[Jubal]

Just wanted to show you guys the finished box...only thing it's missing is the insides! I'll have it done by friday.


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[Boaguy]

thats one nice cage! when he out grows it send it this way [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
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[pincess_wy]

Wow, it's beautiful-- that's a really creative design....

Is the outside color just regular paint, or some other material?

[img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img],
~~W.
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[SnakePool]

I have been working for The Home Depot for the past 8 months I have asked alot of people who know alot about lumber on what can be used for caging. Mdf boards is cheap but will not withstand water. IT will fall apart before you know it. It also will soak in the feces and urine. I would go with a 5 ply plywood or melamine. You could also use the shelf boards that are on the same aisle as the MDF. MDF is a medium density fiberboard. It's not designed to withstand water. It's just a cheap means of making cabinets and shelves.

That is a nice design by the way.
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[Shadrach]

Hey GOOD looking enclosure ya built there!! I'm sure there's some way you can waterproof it!!
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[eddie]

I have a few suggestions for the health and escape prevention area.

It needs some ventilation, to regulate clean air flow for the snake to breath and the plexi on the front and sides may need some reinforcing to keep the snake from bowing and popping it up enough to escape.

Other than that, it does look good.

And Welcome to Redtailboa.net!
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[Jubal]

Well as far as the waterproofing goes, the cage doesn't need to withstand water. And I think the 3 coats of polycrylic and the aquarium sealant will keep feces and urine from festering...IF it even gets into the wood. I've never owned a snake that burrowed to poop where I couldn't find it. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

As far as the plexiglass, the sides are fine. I've done some testing on them and they can't be pushed up thanks to the way I rigged the hasps. But you're right, I need another hasp on the front cuz that part lifts way up.

Last but not least: air flow. There are two spaces for air in the top left and right corners. And the piano hinge is by no means airtight. But should I drill some eraser size holes at random places or something? Maybe on the sides to promote actual &quot;flow&quot;? What do you guys think?

And I appreciate the warm welcome and all the suggestions, especially the last few criticizms. I wouldn't have given as much thought to some of that stuff. Much obliged!
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[eddie]

Yeah, start wit a section on the backside and put some holes in it, I would say around 2 rows horizontally, 6 inches per row in length an 1/2 &quot; between holes with a 1/4&quot; drill bit.
the holes would look similar to this pattern. :::::::::::

Then everything in it as the heat and lights, install therm strips in different locations and test it out first, then go from there on the ventilation for the heat retention,along with humidity retention and work from there.

Remember, when you build a cage, test it well in advance BEFORE putting the animals in it.

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[Jubal]

Thanks Eddie, I'll do that.

And I cganhed my mind about the sides being secure enough [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

I'm gonna put velcro strips down the sides.
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