>>So you are building two, double stacks? In other words, two units, each 4'x2'x4' and each consisting of two 4'x2'x2' cages?



Yes



>>To save even more weight basically cut two large rectangles out of what will be the floor of each level. The cover those holes with FRP or expanded PVC. This will also make adding supplemental heat easier.



Could I also maybe take some whitewood, say 2"x2" or maybe a 1"x4" and create a frame around the outside and seal the FRP to that? (I can't find expanded PVC in any local hardware store.) Would I seal a bead of the FRP to the bottom as well as the top or put a sheet of 1/8" wood to the top, or how would that work? Or just leave it as is and consider since i'm not looking up dont worry about the looks?



>>Don't cover the hole with lexan, especially if you're using CHE's or halogen heat lamps in that inset. Nose rubbing can be a problem but I believe screen will be fine for such a small area.



I'm planning on using blacklight bulbs. They're considerably cheap (i got some from walmart during the halloween time...i bought like 20 or so for a buck a piece. I put 'em up to a spectrometer and they produce the exact same wavelengths as a "reptile" bulb.)





My grandfather, who basically has done any kind of wood crafting you can imagine...he built his house, made all the cabinents, welded the door handles, etc... is going to help me undertake this project, so just because he does have so much experience we were thinking of using 1/2" - it seems usually the problem with 1/2" is the fact that people can't hit the center straight when you scew in from the side. I don't want it to bow in the center, however...so would 3/4" really be a better choice for that as well? I saw at home depot we carry some rainforest type finished wood, 3/4", for $28.99 or so a sheet. If I do end up with 3/4, as long as thats safe for my snakes, thats probably what i'll use.



Thanks for the help!
-----
-Chris



The reason mainstream thought is thought of as a stream is because it's so shallow. -George Carlin



A fool doesn't learn. A smart man learns from his mistakes. A wise man learns from the mistakes of others. Which one are you?



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Current snakes:

0.1 Licorice Stick Black Rat (Lola)

1.0 Black Rat (Frankie)

1.1 Texas Bairds (Jose and Rosa)

0.1 Blue Beauty (Brunhilde)

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