new tank

[pythonpower]

i want to build a tank thats 6ft x 4ft x 2ft. out of plexiglass and using some kind of caulk in the corners but i just dont know how to make a door. i thought about just making the front one big door. just put hinges on one side and like a slide lock on the other.

Basically i just wanna know about how much im looking at spending on supplies(ie. plexiglass, hinges, lock etc.)

This is for my new guinea carpet by the way....who is full grown at 6 foot. and i just think he would love to have a huge cage to lounge in.

My other problem would definatly be keeping it warm. any help would be great.

[Shuba]

Well I can help you on this one...

First starting off with the enclosure you should consider that reptiles dont need much ventilation and dont take in as much air as you think. So ventilation isnt much a problem as heat, humidity..etc..

I would start off by going to a hardware store and purchasing wood that would fit your measurments if you dont have the saw tools to cut them your self(Im sure most hardware stores will cut it for you). A Good way to make a top for your enclosure which can open and close is to buy one of these.



A Stainless fastener works great on opening and closing your enclosure. You might obviously have to use few of them for a good fit. I recomend if your planning on making an enclosure for a bigger snake you build in something capable of holding a lock so you can lock down your enclosure safley. The key can be kept on a string tied to lock so you dont end up loosing it.

For your light you can simply cut out a good sized hole(using a power saw) which would fit your lamp and secure it down with wire mesh. Thats about as much ventilation you need. It wouldnt't hurt to drill 2 good sized holes on each size just to help out if humidity if it gets to high.

The best way to start off with building your enclosure, purchase your pexi glass first. A Good size and just simply build around it. I can't really tell you much on prices because all hardware stores are different.

These are just some tips for building an enclosure, not a full "Do It Yourself" .. Just something that might help you along the way.

[RTBoy]

Plexi glass is not cheap. Your looking at, about 200ish dollars for just the plexi glass.

[Shuba]

You can always use plastic

[pythonpower]

how many lights am i looking at getting to keep it warm.

[Ed_r]

reptiles dont need much ventilation and dont take in as much air as you think

Whoa. All animals require fresh air, and good air circulation. True reptiles don't take in or exhale as much air as a mamal, but the cage has to have good air circulation.

While your Dimensions for the cage sound pretty nice, for a 6' Carpet python it is pretty much over kill. For something that size, you need to provide allot of cover and hides, otherwise the snake will feel vulnerable.
My 8'+ Coastal Carpet pyhton is in a cage 4x4x2 and thats plenty big for him. He uses the limbs that are provided for him or else curls up on the floor of the cage. You wil find the smaller cage to be easier to heat. There are many ways to go with it. YOu can do Plywood, and seal it real good with a Polycrylic, Melamine, although very heavy and not ALL that water proof. Could make it out of Acrylic/Plexiglass, but it wont be that sturdy. I myself would do the sealed Plywood, I also frame the doors myself and screw on the plexiglass. Definately cut vents in bothe sides of the cage. And Ideal situation is to install a misting system.

	Cloaca is the posterior opening that serves as the only such opening for the intestinal, urinary, and (usually) genital tracts of certain animal species.All birds, reptiles, and amphibians possess this orifice, from which they excrete both urine and feces

[Shuba]

Hmmm.. I would put 2. 1 60 watt, and 1 100 watt. Check how temperatures are and if its to high just make it a 100 watt, but I think the 60 / 100 should be a good choice. For night time, use a black light bulb with the same watts.

[Shuba]

Whoa. All animals require fresh air, and good air circulation. True reptiles don't take in or exhale as much air as a mamal, but the cage has to have good air circulation.

Usualy I open a window every day and open up my enclosures, that provides enough circulation. It all depends on how your enclosure is setup. Snakes dont take in alot of air, and a good sized wiremesh openin that holds 2 light fixtures will provide enough ventilation w/o getting rid of the humidity. They need about 50-60%.

[pythonpower]

how much did you spend on the 4'x4'x'2 ed

[Ed_r]

Carpets need 70-80% pretty much constant. they get dehydrated pretty easily. There should be cross ventilation provided, which means vents on both side of the cage ands preferably a few in the back too. This allows for a better thermogradient too, since natural air currents adjust te temps.

	Cloaca is the posterior opening that serves as the only such opening for the intestinal, urinary, and (usually) genital tracts of certain animal species.All birds, reptiles, and amphibians possess this orifice, from which they excrete both urine and feces

[Shuba]

Ed is right though, Your enclosure is pretty big, but with enough hide boxes it shouldnt be to bad. Maybe to reconsider you're plan here is a picture of a good carpet python setup. They dont need alot of space to be happy.




image from - www.pythonpete.com

[pythonpower]

what is that cage in the pic, how big

[Ed_r]

I got the cage through out adoptions, used to be an Iggy cage. But materials cost is really minimal. Wood your looking at about 30-40.00 Plexi it all depends on size of the doors. I would say another 20-25.00 hardware, $10.00 or so.

	Iguana Iguana

[Shuba]

That cage looks about 1-1.5' x 3'-4' those are just my guesses though

	1.1 One Male and One Female

[pythonpower]

cool