Reptile & Amphibian Forums

as some of you may have noticed, i have been constantly asking questions about cages here because i have plans to build an enclosure, and i am trying to see all my options before i go and put my money into this project.

i was wondering how difficult would it be to build an simple 3Hx2Wx2D acrylic enclosure? i wouldnt have a problem getting the sheets already cut out, but im still doing soem research on how to bond them. i read Capillary cementing may be my best option, for something that will retain water.

also can someone give me an estimate on how much on materials i should be looking into spending? i have access to power drills and a few saws for woodworking.
if someone here is experienced with acrylic i would appreciate any help i can get.

thank you
aaron

I'm not really sure I should reply to this.. as I've not yet built my own enclosure yet, and espescially none out of acrylics. But, I have built other items with acrylic (Lucite) glass. If that is what you intend to be using, then your bonding idea can be easily supplemented by internal L brackets that you can cover with cabinet plastic ( like the type used on entertainment centers, to cover the bare metal ) to hold against the weight of the enclosure, with a simple waterproof/resistant bonding material. I'm not sure if your animal of choice ( or any for that matter ) would have an adverse reaction to caulk, but that would seal the tank nicely.

The cost of the Lucite usually runs between 9 and 30 dollars per sheet, varying in size from 72" x 48" to 12" x 12". I'm thinking of using this material in the wood cage that I'll be building, as the view panel and hatch, and have seen it used on other styles of cages as well.

Hope that helped.. and if I'm wrong about any of this, please correct, so I don't make a mistake with my own enclosure.

Joe