Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well I have an Idea for a beardie cage but I have a few questions on materials..

First off, Im making a cage thats about 5 feet long, 16inchs high, and 2 feet deep..

I want to make a wooden frame and use glass for the sides and botom...

I also want to make a woodenstand for it...

My main questions are...

1. Where can I get custom cut glass?

2. Since its 5 feet long Should I have two 2.5ft glass pieces with the frame build into the middle of the front and back for support or will it be sturdy enough just 5 feet long.

3. Should I build the tank frame connected to the stand so after its all build its all one unit, Or should I make it so the stand sets securly on the stand?

4. What should I use to glue the glass into the wood frame?

This is all I can think of right now to ask, Ill ask more as I run into the problem.

Thanks in advance,

-- Paul

1. Where can I get custom cut glass?
Look in the phone book for a glass shop. The shop near me will custom cut glass and many times will have scrap pieces they are willing to use so that it is cheaper for me.

2. Since its 5 feet long Should I have two 2.5ft glass pieces with the frame build into the middle of the front and back for support or will it be sturdy enough just 5 feet long.
i would not worry so much about supporting the front and back as long as your wood frame edges the entire enclosure. but i would however put a support under the middle of the bottom, no need to cut down the piece just have a support under there.

3. Should I build the tank frame connected to the stand so after its all build its all one unit, Or should I make it so the stand sets securly on the stand?
this is more up to you. personally i would not connect them unless necissary. you can always do it later.

4. What should I use to glue the glass into the wood frame?
this is the question im not completely sure with but i would assume using 100% silicone would be good just as is used to seal the cracks and in store bought tanks

as a side note i do not know if you have access to a router but it would help greatly in all aspects if you routed out a channel in the wooden frame to better accept the glass.

np
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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

dude, glass no. plexiglass, yes. i made a 5foot long by 2 foot wide by 2 foot tall tank for a texas ratsnake with plex. it is great. you can even drill into it. i would say that plex is a better idea.

Yea but with plexiglass doesnt it scratch super easy...

how expensive is it?

-- Paul

more than plastic, but i have not seen any problems with it yet. and both custom tanks were made with plexi

I was wonderin if you need to use a special glass .. like someone I have to use tempered glass... do I just get regular glass cut or does it have to be "special"

-- Paul