Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ive recently been looking into makign some custom acrylic cages and maybe try and sell them.

I was wondering what the demand on them would be? Would people readily pay extra money for a cage rather then just buying a plain old 10g at the local pet store for $10?

Granted the cages wouldnt be like a regular 10g. They would have a hinged top with a latching system, holes drilled for ventillation etc etc.

So would you guys pay extra for them? Or would you rather save the cash and go for a plain 10g or 20g?
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2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.1 Emperor Scorpion (Still Thinking)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~

The problem with building cages that size is not only that ten gallons are inexpensive, but that the largest sizes of the PenPal type acrylic cages are also inexpensive.

Tarantula and frog people who most often need cages in that size range have not been willing to pay the prices for a custom made acrylic cages. One comment I've heard more than once, from both keepers and cage makers, by the way, is that the 1/4" acrylic that needs to be used for these projects is cost prohibitive. As I understand it, anything thinner does not provide enough of an edge for solvent welding. That's why the molded/cast acrlyic cages have done so well.

I know a guy who builds acrylic cages for dart frogs. He has a brilliant design complete with drains, overflows, built in false floor, and water areas. They are amazing cages but he can't sell them for the cost of the material much less the cost of his labor.

The other common criticism of acrlyic is it's tendency to warp when exposed to thermal gradients. If you read through posts on the Green Tree Python forum, and some of the private forums for GTP's, you'll find that many keepers have their expensive acrylic cages ruined by radiant heat emitters, etc.

Even though some builders have dealt with this problem acrylic's reputation has already suffered some damage in the herp community. That may be hard to overcome.

Just some general comments. If you have solutions to the problems I've mentioned then I truely think there is a market for acrylic cages.

Thanks for the post!

These are all things that I was wondering about.

"Tarantula and frog people who most often need cages in that size range have not been willing to pay the prices for a custom made acrylic cages. One comment I've heard more than once, from both keepers and cage makers, by the way, is that the 1/4" acrylic that needs to be used for these projects is cost prohibitive. As I understand it, anything thinner does not provide enough of an edge for solvent welding. That's why the molded/cast acrlyic cages have done so well. "

Agreed, the acrylic at 1/4" diamiter is not that cost effective. Im pretty sure that a thinner plastic could be used and would mend perfectly. But using a thinner plastic would definetly rule out any water being placed in the cag as i doubt it would hold (would bend and bow). I have often wondered if i made them out of thinner acrylic if people would still want them.

What are these molded/cast acrylic cages you spoke of? Do you have a link?

"I know a guy who builds acrylic cages for dart frogs. He has a brilliant design complete with drains, overflows, built in false floor, and water areas. They are amazing cages but he can't sell them for the cost of the material much less the cost of his labor. "

Wow, never planned on going that indepth *lol* But i do understand your point.

"The other common criticism of acrlyic is it's tendency to warp when exposed to thermal gradients. If you read through posts on the Green Tree Python forum, and some of the private forums for GTP's, you'll find that many keepers have their expensive acrylic cages ruined by radiant heat emitters, etc. "

Ive heard this before as well. While I dont have too much experience with them, i dont see how they would warp. In order to bend the plastics they need to be heated in excess of a couple hundred dgrees. *shrug* Not disputing you at all though!! I complete belive you just am totally baffled *lol*

Looks like ill do some more research on it. And maybe find some posts about this and maybe even some pictures. Do you know what type of heat source they were using? Heat emitters as in the pannels that get stuck to the top of cages that look like celing pannels?

Thanks again for the great post! It was relaly helpful. Makes me think a good dozen times before trying this out. *lol*
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2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.1 Emperor Scorpion (Still Thinking)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~

You're welcome. Nice cage in your link, by the way. I plan to go read everything you wrote later today.

I've heard of several different types of heat sources causing acrlyic to warp. I assume it's due to a differential in the expansion/contraction of the plastic across a thermal gradiant. So it's not bending per se, but distorting. I don't know how much that description helps

I have noticed that acrylic I've used for doors can warp when exposed to temps of less than 100*. I think it is somewhat due to the quality of the acrlyic. One door I have has not done this. The next time I ordered acrylic from the same company the film covering was different and that panel warped. Even before it warped my impression was that it was a lower quality acrylic.

The molded/cast cages I spoke of are the typical Critter Cages, etc. you see in petstores with the colored plastic lids. There are actually a few different manufacturers but I don't have any links or pictures. They come in sizes up to 8 gallons or so.

Let us know what you find out. I'm far from the expert on acrlyic having only solvent welded a few hinges and panels for my own use.

chris - Thanks again for the post! And thanks for the kudos on my cage. That was quite a funproject and an in the process of building another one for my second BD.

Hmm I will definetly look into the warping issue. And it makes more sense with the gradient explanation. That I can def. buy.

The doors I use on my BD cage are acrylic and they havent warped yet thats why i was wondering how they would bend/warp. And there are definetly different types of acrylic, the better kind you get the even less cost effective they become *lol*

And i gotcha on the critter cages. Those things are ooooogly though *lol*

I will have to experiment with some of the thinner acrylics I have lying around.

tomas - Yes I actually do know of a company or a few that have done fairly well with acrylic cages. Thanks for the input, big help. o)

As for Acrylic scratching easy. Meh, all surface scratches that are hardly a problem and can be buffed out if you wanted to. Acrylic also has many advantages over glass if you want to get into comparing the two.
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2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.1 Emperor Scorpion (Still Thinking)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~

Gratned it is REALLT crude, rough edges due to no saw at my house at the moment so i had to score them, i didnt bother to clean it either. But the weld seems to be holding up fine on the thinner material. Im going to test it with water tm. And heat the poop out of it with a heat pad for a week or so to see what happens to it. *lol*

If this does work out it would be very cost effective and not have to charge someone an arm and a leg!

My only concern is that I dont know how many people would want a cage made out of such thin material. Maybe it would be good for spider cages??? Any suggestions?

PICTURES...

The dimensions are

12L x 9H x 9D (depnding on how you look at it)

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2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.1 Emperor Scorpion (Still Thinking)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~

I think it loos good,once you get the proper equipment and can give it a more finished look,develop a pricing system that accounts for your materials and labor,etc...you may do well on them.
People are always looking for cages in large or odd dimensions,a neat cage I saw the other day with a water dragon in it was custom made (though out of plexi-glass,in a diamond shape,not a hexagon but a four sided diamond,it looked really cool.
Another thing is with the cages you're amking,they would also make good terrariums for tropical plants.
I also raise orchids,ferns and carnivorous plants such as cobra lilies,venus fly traps,pitcher plants,etc..that require high humidity and am always on the lookout for attracitve display cases.
You could try setting up a few with some exotic tropicals to give people ideas on what they could use them for and not just get the reptile enthusiasts but plant enthusiasts as well.
You could make a small one and donate it to a local nursery for display with your business cards,specifying that they could be made in different dimensions,there are people out there who are just as nuts about thier plants and set-ups for them as we are our reptiles.
Anyways,just some ideas,the first thing I thought when I saw your cage was "Moth Orchids",that's what I would put in it!

StormyHall

Im not to knowledgable about them. But thanks for the info ill dfeintly look into them. Also using the thinner material would work good for that type of project.

To make that cage I belive it cost me right around $15 with the thinner materials. Thicker materials are about double that. But i have NO clue as to how much something like that in the picture would go for (once its refined).

Thanks again for the great post and great ideas! If you have anymore please let me hear them!!
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2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.1 Emperor Scorpion (Still Thinking)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~

Almost done with my custom cage I'm building for my new ARU GTP!!

The dimensions are 24" all around. Staind Mahogony Wood Molding on top, and stained mahgony pine on the bottom. Im going to try and plan on making these to sell. Let me know what you guys think...

Still need to do list.

• Ventilaion holes
• Perch Holders
• Install Light
• Buy & Instal Heat Pannel
• Install Door
• Finish Stain

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0.0.1 Aru GTP (Still in Debate)
2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.2 Emperor Scorpion (Cecil ~ Peoples)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
0.0.1 Indian Ornametal Tarantula - (Still in Debate)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~

Hey that's not bad for $15. At least I think you wrote about $15 in another post.

If I were to keep Dendrobatid frogs (which I might as well since I have so many friends breeding them) I certainly would want to use acrylic, like in the configuration of a "15 Tall" aquarium.

So you may be onto something.

Yup $15. But thats what it cost me *lol* Which I could sell local for a very nice profit. Internet it gets a bit more hairy due to shipping and what not. But its pretty light and shipping wouldnt cost to much. So maybe I am on to something *laughs*

Anywho thanks. Im going to attempt to hold some water in it and see how much it bow's tonight and see if it leaks, I doubt it will leak, im posative it will bow haha.

I gues the best thing to do would make one or two complete cages and put the up for sale at a slightly expensive price, and then I can always lower the price to get a sale.
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2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.1 Emperor Scorpion (Still Thinking)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~

Almost done with my custom cage I'm building for my new ARU GTP!!

The dimensions are 24" all around. Staind Mahogony Wood Molding on top, and stained mahgony pine on the bottom. Im going to try and plan on making these to sell. Let me know what you guys think...

Still need to do list.

• Ventilaion holes
• Perch Holders
• Install Light
• Buy & Instal Heat Pannel
• Install Door
• Finish Stain

-----
0.0.1 Aru GTP (Still in Debate)
2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.2 Emperor Scorpion (Cecil ~ Peoples)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
0.0.1 Indian Ornametal Tarantula - (Still in Debate)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~

That you all got an email saying i replied *lol*

You guys were all really helpful before so I wanted some more input.
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0.0.1 Aru GTP (Still in Debate)
2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.2 Emperor Scorpion (Cecil ~ Peoples)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
0.0.1 Indian Ornametal Tarantula - (Still in Debate)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~

Acrylic is too expensive and it scratches too easily.

Lot's of people have tried.

Do you see any companies that have been successful?

I don't know about larger custom made enclosures really but the acrylic shiftboxes that I use for venomous snake transportation and maintencance are the best,they are made by Dajen's caging and are entirely see through,molded with rounded corners and lock securely,plus I can view the snake from all angles,making them more desirable than wooden pr partially opaque plastic shiftboxes where you kind of have to guess or can't fully view the snake inside the box before opening (important!).
As far as cages,I've kicked around the idea of building my Boa and Python enclosures using acrylic but have yet to examine cost effectiveness and the heat warping has me concerned.
Anyways,for acrylic caging,look up Dajen's caging,I acquired my shiftboxes from them several years ago so not sure if they're still in business or not,I'll try to look them up again and post what I find!

StormyHall

StormyHall

I checked out that company. And those are the types of cages I am talking about building.

Do you think there is an actual market for them though? Not just to be used as transport tanks, but as a full time home?

Did you have a problem paying the prices? Would you buy them again? Granted they are small for a full time home for a snake. and Im doubting that anyone that owned a spider or scoprion would pay for that.

Hmmmmmmmm lots to think about...
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2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.1 Emperor Scorpion (Still Thinking)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~

Hi there!
The cage does look nice with some decor in it (picture it with some blooming orchids ,what i like best about these cages is that they can be viewed at all angles with no rims and other stuff obstructing,if that makes any sense.
As far as the Dajen's caging,what I bought from them was the shift or what's also called trapboxes that they make and I had no problem spending that amount of money on a secure and aesthetic enclosure,I really like my shiftboxes and caging made like them would be great too,I'd buy it.
Look at it this way,people pay sometimes exorbitant amounts for thier captive reptiles,you don't bring home a $500 snake and plop it into a cardboard box,most keepers will go to the expense of buying or building nice,aesthetic enclosures to house thier animals as well as the initial purchase of the animal.
I had one of the large Vision cages sitting out back in my rattery while i was making a sale of feeder rats,a guy asked me how much I wanted for it,I quoted a price that was close to what I paid for it new,thinking he wasn't really going to buy it and that I wasn't intending on selling it,the guy plopped down several hundred in cash right on the spot,needless to say I even delivered it in my Dodge Ram for him!
Don't prive things exorbitantly but also don't worry about other people's pocketbooks either and underprice yourself right into the hole,get what they're worth in materials and labor and even your creative design,most herpers don't design and build thier own enclosures and would happily pay for one already constructed that meets thier specifications!
The best thing you can do is get exposure,offer a local pet stores one to use as display with your business cards,clearly label it's maker (you) and contact info as well on the cage itself.
One guy I know used to build custom oak enclosures and we used his cages for displaying our animals (exotic pet store) and he did well on sales resulting from it just from the numbers of people who viewed his cage and resulting word of mouth from sales,etc..

StormyHall

I cant picture it with some bloomin orchids... me dunno what they look like!! The onlything *bloomin* i knwo is a *bloomin onion* at outback steak house! *laughs*

Where would I go about geting some flowers to put in them? Just go to a local flower shop i guess?

As for something like the Acrylic Dajen's cages, using them for your snakes what size enclosure do you think would be needed? Also how would you think they would be heated? Ive tested the heat pad on a thicker 1/4" and it heats up fine and doesnt melt. Did not leave i ton long enough to see if it warps though. Also an over head light source would be out of the question due to a solid top. So maybe id have to find a way to make a screened top. Shouldnt be to hard im creative o). And it would probbly cost less as well since i dont need a complete acrylic piece for the top...

Oh my oh my gotta lot to think about..

As for pricing and seeing if they sell or not, I guess the best thing to do would make one or two complete cages and put them up for sale at a slightly expensive price, and then I can always lower the price to get a sale. How much would you pay (for a finished not raw) cage like the one I have in the picture? Would $30 - $35 be asking to much? Would someone actually pay that much to house a flower or small animal? *lol*

I talked to my GF about the exposure thing. Im fairly handy in the webpage development so thats a sure thing and I also make buisness cards. There is a local show around my house "Lee Watsons Reptile Swap" And I can always go and pass cards around or even front the $25 to get a vendor spot.

Thanks again!!! Keep the great advice forth comming!
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2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.1 Emperor Scorpion (Still Thinking)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~

Got bored and could not sleep so I decided to snap some shots of the cage with some substrate and some decor.

yeah... im bored....

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2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.1 Emperor Scorpion (Still Thinking)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~

Absolutely lovely!

Sorry you can't sleep, but when you are on a roll, you gotta do what you gotta do and make more cages like that is it!

When you decide on prices, please let us (me) know.

I really like them, they are exactly what I am looking for...not too fancy and just what it needs to be...

1.1 ETB's
1.2 ATB's

Thanks
Maggie

Hey Maggie, thanks for the compliments. So i can get a better picture of what people would want. What would you be looking to keep in the cages?? Also what size(s) would you prefer? And lastly would you rather have a cheaper priced tank that uses the thinner material or would rather pay more money for a much thicker tank? The last Q also goes to what you are planningon keeping in the tank.

Gratned so far the thinner material holds up pretty well! Im going to test it with water right now and bring back the results.

Thanks for the posative outlook maggie!
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2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.1 Emperor Scorpion (Still Thinking)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~

I would keep some ETB's in them. I want to get them out of the 20 gallon tanks they are in now and have something lighter to clean and move around. Much more nicer to look at as well.

I like the one's you have already made...it would be based on whether or not it warps which one would hold the heat longest...thick or thin.

Not really going to fill the bottom with water like some other people do. I have a water bowl at the bottom. Much easier to clean (my opinion)...just remove the water bowl. Less stress on the snake by having to take him/her out and then take the entire cage out and clean it vs. removing the bowl. But it would have to be able to hold the bowl without "bowing" at the bottom. The bowl is about 10 inches in diameter.

On another note...(because I have some geckos) I noticed on another reply you were thinking about going to the Reptile Swapmeet...have you given any thought to display cases for liek Leopard Geckos...where vendors can display their small geckos, snakes, frogs, spiders, etc....I saw some pix on that website with that display I am talking about. Let me know!

thanks - mags

Maggie got a few more questions for ya! Your being a super big help!

The size of the tank I have in those pictures is smaller then it looks. The size of the tank is 9L x 9D x 12H (depnding on how you look at it). Is that big enough for an ETB?? I figured they would need much more room unless you want one for babies.

I am also thinking that the thicker material would have to be the way to go for an ETB (unelss it is a baby). I honestly do not know to much about them or how you would heat them so I have a few questions...you can post or email me at dkelly007@ameritech.net

1) What do you use to heat them?
2) Where do you place the heat source?
3) What Size would you need for an ETB or GTP?
4) Would you as a pet owner prefer the tank to come with a built in (removable) basking branch typically used in a chondro cage?
5) Any other suggestions/qualifications you would want to see done on a cage?

And I thought about the idea of the display cages. I figured that would be a great place to start actually. Which website were you refering to where you saw these types of cages? Off of this i branced off into this design below. Something not so much for display, but something like scorpions or spiders. For the owner who has several of either and wants a nice cage. It involves 3 seperate cages all combined into one unit. All with its own hinged/hasped top. The dividers in between would be removable in case they owner wanted one larger cage and a smaller one or just one large one instead.

The dimensions are in the picture as well, but they whole unit would be 24L x 18D x 9H. And each individual unit would be 8L x 18D x 9H. Which calculates out to just over 16 gallons as whole or 5 gallons for each unit. I figured this could possibly be a big hit as it provides the possibility of up to 3 tanks. I figured it would be easier to get money for that then one individual tank.

Here is a rough sketch...

Im also thinking that if i do a few test cages I would give them out for cost to users on this site (like you guys) to test out and give me input and tell me what you think. Would you guys be interested once/if i get this off the ground to be test dummies? Granted you would have to pay for cost of materials and shipping so I understand if thats a resounding NO! lol
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2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.1 Emperor Scorpion (Still Thinking)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~

You're right...definitely bigger...lol!

I would have to say something like 12"D x 18"W x 24"T...

And yes, thicker. But you can make some money...

Heating...probably a ceramic light fixture at the top...so you would want to do a screen circle (if you will) ummmm
instead of all acrylic on the top, cut out a circle about an inch bigger than the fixture and (somehow) put the screen there and tehn the fixture would lay on that...this way the actual light isn't on it causing it to warp or melt.

Perch built in...the things on the side to at least hold the branch I would use...some people use PVC- I myself use wood...

As far as the display goes...that's pretty much it. I found it at Lee Watson's Reptileswap website... here's two link to show you what I was thinking about...

http://reptileswap.com/images/Snake Display.JPG

http://reptileswap.com/images/Evan snakes.jpg

I would (OF COURSE) be interested in the cages if you would like. I also know of someone else (where I purchased my snakes from) would be interested in them as well. She has a website and can place her reptiles in it and take pictures with them and then place it on her website with a link to you. But I don't know if that's what you would like to do. I haven't asked her. I figured I would mention it to you first.

I am sure you could get alot of people to purchase from you for the display cases to do reptile shows...I have been to a couple of shows and I always look at them. Not that I would have any use for them, because I don't sell. But man they make your animals look so nice...it's all about the presentation...

Let me know
My email address is red_eyed_magalie@yahoo.com

*laughs*

I figured you thought it was bigger!

Yeah i definetly figured I would need to go with the thicker material. I can do a screened top, most likely rectangle though, its hard to cut circles out of acrylic.

Thanks for the link to the pics! Gives me a good idea to work off of!

As for the cages and getting them out. Ill keep you on the top of the list! I definetly want to have people try them out and approve them before I start selling them. So as long as they are willing to pay for materials and shipping ill get a couple out there to get some feedback on them! Maybe within the month or so I will have a cage done. Gotta get materials and shop around for stuff. Like I said, top of the list for you!

Thanks again you have been extremely helpful!
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2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.1 Emperor Scorpion (Still Thinking)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~

Are you laughing at me? Shame on you! So I'm a lil "cRazY"

But it's always good to laugh....

I'm loving that Bearded Cage...very nice...

Always like looking/admiring people's work. But I got you beat! I'm lazier than you...got tons of plans on "how to" stuff, but would rather have someone else do it!

HAHAHA

Chondros need high humidity as you stated, so im thinking that a screened top is not the best way to go. But if you do not go with a screened top then that leaves us with the dilema of a heat source. So i did some research and came up with Helix Heat Pannels. Have you ever heard anything about them or have any experience with them? A local guy by me designs chondro cages and he uses them inside the cages.

Here is a link.

www.justherps.com/products/HXPD1.htm

Also did a lil research on the cost of materials and I approximate a cage with the dimensions of 24H x 18L x 18D will cost in just materials about $100 WITHOUT the heating pannel or any decor inside. What do you think about that?

Would you as a consumer have problems paying upwards of 300 for a complete cage with decor and heat source?? Or maybe $200 for just the cage and no decor or heat source?
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2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.1 Emperor Scorpion (Still Thinking)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~

I don't have Chondro's (only a dream). Emerald's but similar in housing requirements. MMMMMMMM (brain thinking)....this could be awhile (how much time do you have)....

Haven't heard of Helix Heat, but getting ETB's is kinda new to me...had to have them and so I got them. Still getting to know them. They are in 20 gallon tanks now...

How about the same size as theirs? 16x16x22? I was basically going by what my tank is...

Without the heating stuff - will work for me...The lights don't really have to sit on it...I have a small (4" piece of PVC in one corner of the cage and then place the wooden stick on it and when it stays in place the wood stick is kinda at an angel....(you know what I mean)

I probably would pay but because I'm cheap...I would go with the cage without the stuff in order to do it my way...decor and heat stuff...

But definitely on a roll here....I have more links for you...

I will email them to you...Mags

*laughs*

I have tons of time! Just not tons of money! o)

>>>Haven't heard of Helix Heat, but getting ETB's is kinda new to me...had to have them and so I got them. Still getting to know them. They are in 20 gallon tanks now...

Helix from what ive read is the *cadillac* of heat emitters.

>>>How about the same size as theirs? 16x16x22? I was basically going by what my tank is...

The problem is that something that size would cost the same amount of money in materials. So id rather give someone more space for the buck. The 1/4" plexi comes in sheets of 18 x 24 for $10. There are a few other sized sheets i can look into though. Just costs me more money to start out.

>>>Without the heating stuff - will work for me...The lights don't really have to sit on it...I have a small (4" piece of PVC in one corner of the cage and then place the wooden stick on it and when it stays in place the wood stick is kinda at an angel....(you know what I mean)

Yup I think I understand whatyou are saying. Although I think Ive Found away around it where i can make a screened top and all.

BTW thanks a ton for the links! Good pieces to work off of. I think im going to make a cage within this week. Im going to build the one in the blueprint thing I had up top since I can use the thinner materials. Which is cheaper. I went out and got some tools for the job so It should be in the works very soon. I will post the results as they come! Stay tuned!

Thanks again!
Daniel Kelly
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2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.1 Emperor Scorpion (Still Thinking)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~

Almost done with my custom cage I'm building for my new ARU GTP!!

The dimensions are 24" all around. Staind Mahogony Wood Molding on top, and stained mahgony pine on the bottom. Im going to try and plan on making these to sell. Let me know what you guys think...

Still need to do list.

• Ventilaion holes
• Perch Holders
• Install Light
• Buy & Instal Heat Pannel
• Install Door
• Finish Stain

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0.0.1 Aru GTP (Still in Debate)
2.0 Ball Pythons (Kurt the Snake ~ Frosty McFry)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat (OogieBoogie)
0.1 Kenyan Sand Boa (NoFingers McGee)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Saku ~ GracieJ)
0.0.1 Albino Ornate Pacman Frog (Jabba the Frog)
0.0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog (Hooter)
0.0.2 Emperor Scorpion (Cecil ~ Peoples)
0.0.1 Usambara Tarantula - (FBD - Fire Ball of Death)
0.0.1 Indian Ornametal Tarantula - (Still in Debate)
2.0 House Cats (Bill ~ Ted)

And a partrige in a pear tree...

~!Bearded Dragon Custom Cage Design!~