Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 2 Ball Pythons, a corn snake and a Bearded Dragon. Right now, they are all in various aquariums all over the house. The older BP has constant issues with humidity because of a screen top and lack of wanting to soak, so...
I'd like to build something with 4 levels, a clear plastic or glass front on each level, but I have a few questions. What types of material do you use? What can you build with that will still allow belly heat from a heat pad or flex-watt tape and not damage the material? And are there any sites or plans that people are willing to share? I am a complete newbie with this, but my husband has some experience with carpentry, but not alot. Most of the cutting will have to be done at the store we purchase it from.
I know alot of people like rack systems, but we want something where our animals are visible, more of a furniture piece than just a rack set up.
Any input is appreciated.
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1.1 Ball Python 0.0.1 corn snake 1.0 Bearded Dragon
0.0.2 fish 1.2 cats 3.1 kids 1.0 husband and now...
0.0.1 Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula

>>What types of material do you use?

Plywood, MDO (Medium Density Overlay), Melamine

>>What can you build with that will still allow belly heat from a heat pad or flex-watt tape and not damage the material?

Anything. Chris Harper has a good discusssion about this in response to a question from steve1488. Just cut a hole in the wood bottom of the cage and cover the entire bottom with a relatively thin sheet of expanded PVC, glass, or acrylic. Attach the heat tape to the PVCX. Caulk around the edges and you're good to go...

>>And are there any sites or plans that people are willing to share?

This question always amuses me for some reason... A cage is a box with five sides. How much of a plan do you need?!?

I suspect that what most people are really looking for are construction techniques. Here's what I'd suggest: figure out how big a cage you want to make. Let's assume it's going to be three-feet wide, two-feet deep, and 18 inches tall. You'll make it out of 3/4" thick material.

To make a cage with sliding bypass doors, you'll need the following pieces:

1 Back: Should be WxH in size. For our theoretical cage, that's 36 inches by 18 inches.

2 Sides: Should be H x (D-3/4) in size. For our theoretical cage, that's 18 inches by 23 1/4 inches.

1 Top, 1 Bottom: Should be (W - (2*3/4)) x (D-3/4) inches in size. For our theoretical cage, that's 34 1/2 x 23 1/4 inches.

2 Door Mounting Rails: Should be (W - (2*3/4)) inches by a couple of inches. For our theoretical cage, thats 34 1/2 by 2 inches.

The first thing to do is buy some iron-on edge-banding and attach it to any edges that will be visible. Trim to size using an edge trimmer (e.g. Item #99K40.01 at leevalley.com). You can do this after the cage is assembled, but it's easier if you do it now. Do the front edge of the top and bottom, all four edges of the back, and three edges of the sides (everything except the back edge).

Screw the Top and Bottom into the sides. Screw through the side pieces and into the top/bottom. This should give you a four sided box. Attach the back to this box with screws. You should now have a five-sided box. Take the two rails and mount them vertically across the opening; one across the top, one across the bottom. Screw through the sides and into the rails.

But some plastic sliding glass track from Rockler.com. Glue it to the edges of the rails. Buy some glass and insert it into the track. Buy some door pulls from wwhardware.com. Peel off the backing and attach them to the glass. Congratulations, you're done!

LOL...that's EXACTLY what type of answer I was looking for. I can nail 6 pieces of wood together and make a box, but it wouldn't look very good, and it may not be suitable for my animals. Now that I have a basis to go by, I can look into it a little further. Thank you!!
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1.1 Ball Python 0.0.1 corn snake 1.0 Bearded Dragon
0.0.2 fish 1.2 cats 3.1 kids 1.0 husband and now...
0.0.1 Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula

you mean something like this

YES! Just like that, but longer and wider. I don't need height as much as I need floor space. That looks nice, btw! Did you do it yourself?
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1.1 Ball Python 0.0.1 corn snake 1.0 Bearded Dragon
0.0.2 fish 1.2 cats 3.1 kids 1.0 husband and now...
0.0.1 Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula

yes i did build this cage.it was constructed out of laminated pine.you can get that at home depot and lowes it is already cut to length and width makin it easier to and faster to build. just dont build your to wide you still have to get it through the doors in your home

just be aware that pine oil can sometimes cause problems with reptiles!
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*Amy*
0.1 Green Iguana (yes, I have a lizard in my bathroom)-iggy
2.1 Ball Pythons (normal)-cosi, jake, and frosty
0.1 B.smithi (mexican redknee tarantula)-athena
0.0.1 midland painted turtle-nemo
1.1 dogs-rocky and skippy
1.0 normal grey cockatiel-opie
0.0.30 betta, guppies, rosy reds, fantail goldfish, clown pleco,...

That's absolutely the best one I have seen yet!

WOW...I am truly impressed...Are you willing to share your secrets?

Maggie

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Zoodude

"Just because I'm paranoid, it doesn't mean they aren't after me."

You could buy pre-built unfinished cabinets, and stack them. It would cost a bit more, but lots less work. I found a place that selling reject cabinets for like $10, but only ever couple of months. Check with a cabinet shop or kitchen contractor.

This cabinet cost me $10. I replaced missing glass, cut some holes in it for vent & lights, and installed a flourescant light. About $25 total, and very little work.

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Zoodude

"Just because I'm paranoid, it doesn't mean they aren't after me."

Wow. Now that's a nice set up, and that sound alot like what I'm looking for. I never thought of that!! I will be checking in my local are for sure. With a few modifications, I can see that being VERY easy to do.
Thank you for the great idea!!
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1.1 Ball Python 0.0.1 corn snake 1.0 Bearded Dragon
0.0.2 fish 1.2 cats 3.1 kids 1.0 husband and now...
0.0.1 Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula
0.2 Solomon Island Boas