Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone know of any adverse effects derived from using plexi-glass as an enclosure? We're building a sealed/escaped proofed tank for my Cal King. I know plexi-glass can scratch, but we wanted something light weight/easy to clean. Any input is welcome All we've ever used is glass.

like you said Plexi can scratch... and it WILL SCRATCH... Also if it's not thick enough it'll CRACK... plexi wares with ages, so you may want to place it some where in which you can easily replace it if it becomes undesirable .

I'd suggest a wood and plexi combination using the plexi as a door/window

be sure to coat the wood with polyurethane to make it water proof and you can go a step further and place vinyl tile on the cage floor...

also you will want to seal the inner groves of the cage with silicone so that moisture doesn't seep in and expand the wood.

how you choose to construct a door/window can vary greatly I think that depends on various factors such as the size of the cage, how you would like to gain access to inside of the cage, where the cage will be set up and how readily accessible the door/window will be when/where you do set it up.

Hope that helped

~ZF
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Royal ReptileZ

Thanks for the input that really helped. We are shooting for the wood/plexi combo. You have a beautiful collection!

Thanx for the compliment! Nice snakes yourself! be sure to post pix of the enclosure when ever you finish it.

~ZF
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Royal ReptileZ

how are you runnin the heat through that setup? I really want to build something like that, but I'm not sure what to do with the heat...
thanks...
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"Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious."
1.1 Cal Kings
0.1 Mali Uromastyx

I use Flex Watt heat tape...

i run it vertically along the back of the enclosure...

i use the 3 inch width, there is a strip on the left, right, and in the middle...

For now i regulate the temperature with a dimmer switch (been too lazy to replace it)
- it's essential to regulate the temps. that heat tape can get extremely HOTT! with enough ventilation your snakes won't die but i'm sure they'll be very uncomfortable and spend majority of their time in the water bowl.

~Z
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Royal ReptileZ

I'll have to do some reasearch and get a setup built... I'm runnin out of aquarium space in my living room...

I sent you an email out that lav too... let me know if you got it...
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"Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious."
1.1 Cal Kings
0.1 Mali Uromastyx

I assume the heat tape is run along the exterior rear of the enclosure. What thickness of plywood did you use for the back. Your set up is very much like what I am building. I was just trying to solve the heating issues.

Pretty much the entire enclosure is constructed with 1/2 inch thick Plywood.

And you are correct the heat tape is running along the exterior

~ZF
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Royal ReptileZ

One more thought on this. . .what kind of plywood did you guys use for your tanks? I've been told cedar and pine is bad for their mucosa.

Well i'm unsure what type of wood it is...

Pine is not an issue with snakes Cedar how ever is poisonous to snakes if ingested.

~ZF
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Royal ReptileZ

Over time they will stress crack. Make sure to put in adequate air holes for circulation. I use rope light to heat from underneath. Jeff

Wow! I know you did it for the heat, but what a cool effect! awesome.