Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi There-

I just built a frame melamine enclosure for a Boa. The Dimensions are 4x2x18". I was going to install sliding glass doors but I am having trouble locating tracks. I did find some plastic tracks at a local glass shop. Will these work? If so how do I attach them to the cage? Also, for the enclosure being the length it is, do I need some type of middle support? The melamine is 3/4". One more question....the backing.... what could I use to lighten the cage up? Any tips, suggestions, truly appreciated.

Thanks-

Brett

The plastic glass tracks will be fine, I use them on my melamine cages. To attach the tracks use liquid nails. To lighten the load on my cages I use luan on the back. I attach the luan with liquid nails and small finish nails.
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www.hullabalooherps.com

Thanks for the info. Could you please elaborate on what Luan is. I am unfamiliar with it. Also do you think I need a middle support?

Thanks-
Brett

>>Thanks for the info. Could you please elaborate on what Luan is. I am unfamiliar with it. Also do you think I need a middle support?

What his is referring to a thin, laminated plywood commonely used as cabinent backing, drawer bottoms, etc.

I assume your melamine is white so I'd instead recommend some white, vinyl coated hardboard. You might have go to your local HIC and ask where the showerboard is.

You should not need a middle support for a 4' cage unless your upper and lower front lips are quite low.

But the support can be added in once the cage is done. Just be sure to have the backside of the glass track mounted flush with the back of the lips it will run on. The support will be mounted behind these lips.
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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

luan is a very light weight wood product. I get it from the same area as cut plywood pieces. It paints up well and holds up well on my cages. If you have an upper and lower "lip" or litter dam, you really shouldn't have to worry about support. The melamine is very sturdy and I haven't had any sagging issues.
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www.hullabalooherps.com

Thanks guys.

I used the same for the back but i used 100% clear silicone to hold the track down.the plastic track works well just get your glass edges rounded over your gless co. will do this for a few bucks more.If you dont the glass will cut your track up it did that to my first cage now i have it done to all my cages