Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I want to convert my positive herp energy into constructive things other than adding onto my collection.

I would like to build a "bookshelf" style housing unit to simply the mess I currently have with all of my tanks. I am thinking of something 5ft long, 4ft tall, and 2 feet deep. (Just an idea, not set in stone)

If anyone can point me in a good direction to learn about materials, heating options, door types, etc. that would be great!

I am hoping to put something together that is relatively inexpensive and self heated, can handle humidity and moisture, and won't weigh a ton.

I'll be working on this project during the summer so there is no rush. I'll be doing the research in advance.

Thanks for the pointers.
-----
-Iman
1.1 Sugar Gliders (Gizmo and Nema)
2.0 Ball Pythons (Spot and Speck)
0.1 Colombian BCI (Belle)
1.0 Colombian Rainbow (Rex)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow (Just arrived!!!)

Loving to Learn
Learning to Help
Helping to Love

Stimulate debates, stifle arguments.
Please be nice always.



Imans House of Herps

if weight is more important to you than cost, you might look into PVC plastic sheets. you can buy it in 4x8 foot sheets. i have some made out of melamine that were inexpensive but heavy...i'm not looking forward to moving them to georgia in july...i'm going to replace them with sealed plywood, and instead of heat tape, i'm looking into a heat cable that is normally used to warm potting soil for seedlings. it doesn't get as hot as flex-watt so i hypothesis that a thermostat won't be necessary. there are also plenty of commercially built alternatives.

if you would like, i can let you know how this new one turns out,

chris
-----
www.chrisolsonreptiles.com

I very well may use the PVC sheets. Please tell me more and inform about 'heating cable' when you have the knowledge. This is very useful info. Are you talking of a solid pvc sheet or a woven pvc sheet that is almost the equivalent of tarpolen?

Thanks for the tips... they mean a lot.

Your expertise is a great assistance. Let me know if I can return any favors.
-----
-Iman
1.1 Sugar Gliders (Gizmo and Nema)
2.0 Ball Pythons (Spot and Speck)
0.1 Colombian BCI (Belle)
1.0 Colombian Rainbow (Rex)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow (Just arrived!!!)

Loving to Learn
Learning to Help
Helping to Love

Stimulate debates, stifle arguments.
Please be nice always.



Imans House of Herps

iman,
solid pvc sheets...i'm just haven't worked out how to adhere the pieces securely without building a wood frame. i'll let you know about the heat cable...i should get around to working on it this week. i have to build another rack for my baby argentines...should be any day now.

thanks, chris
-----
www.chrisolsonreptiles.com

First let me thank you for the help so far, and still to come.

If there is anything I can do to aid you, please let me know.

I have some more questions...

Can you use 1" pvc pipe to do the reinforcing? Now that I think about it, my rack needs to be able to support itself, its inhabitants, and an additional 25lbs (sugar glide cage is going on top)

I'm sure PVC holds humidity well - great for my BRBs and CRBs. I know it is also very flexible and is a fairly good insulator. How thick are the sheets? Perhaps you may be able to use simple elbow joints and use the tensile strength of PVC to support itself.

I am open to all ideas, let me know if I can help you with research.

I suggest we move this thread to the Housing thread.

Thanks again.
-----
-Iman
1.1 Sugar Gliders (Gizmo and Nema)
2.0 Ball Pythons (Spot and Speck)
0.1 Colombian BCI (Belle)
1.0 Colombian Rainbow (Rex)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow (Just arrived!!!)

Loving to Learn
Learning to Help
Helping to Love

Stimulate debates, stifle arguments.
Please be nice always.



Imans House of Herps