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Hey all you cage masters, here is what I got. In my bedroom I have a corner closet, in the adjacent bedroom there is also a corner closet. Now in my bedroom this leaves me with an alcove approx. 44" wide, 32" deep, floor to ceiling high, w/ a window. Awhile ago I got the idea to put in a glass block shelf. This is basicly a glass block window layed horizontally. I used the sill to support the back of the glass block and then used 2"x2"s level with the sill to support the sides of the glass block. This gives me a platform of 44"x32" at window sill height. Now, in the very front of the the "shelf" in line with the front of the closets which is 32" from the exterior wall, I layed a glass block on each side to form jambs, these 8" block continue all the way to the ceiling. I then framed it out w/1"x4"s including a header and layed the block ontop of this header. Basicly forming a 8" glass block door frame. If your still w/ me here I have a basic enclosure here without a door. This is hard to explain well, I hope some of you can get the idea here. My plan now is to line the window wall, which is the back wall of the cage, w/2" polystyrene then use frp board on top of this as the finished wall. I would also do this on the side walls as well. Maybe something similar for the ceiling as well. What I will then have is a frame/box that is 32" deep 44" wide and 6' high. Install a shower door or somthing similar and theres my enclosure. The question is how do I heat a monster like this, I was thinking of a radient heat panel through pro-products. Would this be enough to heat the entire enclosure. I'm wondering about the lower levels of the enclosure. Note, the bottom is 24" from the floor of the room hence the cage is 6' high I have 8' high walls. I plan on using just flourescent lights for lighting so my heat sources need to come from radient appliances. You hardcore cage builders, give me some input, if I can provide any clarification just ask and I will try. See ya, Clint

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Hey all you cage masters, here is what I got. In my bedroom I have a corner closet, in the adjacent bedroom there is also a corner closet. Now in my bedroom this leaves me with an alcove approx. 44" wide, 32" deep, floor to ceiling high, w/ a window. Awhile ago I got the idea to put in a glass block shelf. This is basicly a glass block window layed horizontally. I used the sill to support the back of the glass block and then used 2"x2"s level with the sill to support the sides of the glass block. This gives me a platform of 44"x32" at window sill height. Now, in the very front of the the "shelf" in line with the front of the closets which is 32" from the exterior wall, I layed a glass block on each side to form jambs, these 8" block continue all the way to the ceiling. I then framed it out w/1"x4"s including a header and layed the block ontop of this header. Basicly forming a 8" glass block door frame. If your still w/ me here I have a basic enclosure here without a door. This is hard to explain well, I hope some of you can get the idea here. My plan now is to line the window wall, which is the back wall of the cage, w/2" polystyrene then use frp board on top of this as the finished wall. I would also do this on the side walls as well. Maybe something similar for the ceiling as well. What I will then have is a frame/box that is 32" deep 44" wide and 6' high. Install a shower door or somthing similar and theres my enclosure.

Ok the idea of the 2" insulation is a good one this will really help retain the heat which will be a bear to get going ....Also the FRP I would go ahead and do the three sides of the cage area leaving the front as glass block this will keep mold issues from humidity off the sheetrock walls

The question is how do I heat a monster like this, I was thinking of a radient heat panel through pro-products. Would this be enough to heat the entire enclosure. they offer some huge heat panels my best advice is to call them and tell them you setup size and means, they are awsome at setting up a heat panel that will work to your cage size not just sell you one size panel and say if thats not enough use another. I'm wondering about the lower levels of the enclosure. Note, the bottom is 24" from the floor maybe i missed it what is the floor constructed from/of ?of the room hence the cage is 6' high I have 8' high walls. I plan on using just flourescent lights for lighting so my heat sources need to come from radient appliances. You hardcore cage builders, give me some input, if I can provide any clarification just ask and I will try. See ya, Clint

Depending on what the floor is of this setup there are a few ways to provide a heated floor area.
* 11" 20 w flexwatt to heat the floor ( from underneath the floor materials)
* Radiant heat panel on the floor ( or a "pig warmer" these also work nice and dont get to hot and allow a snake to lay directly onthem for heat )

Thats all i have right now let me know what the floor is and we can go more indepth
Alan
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The floor as of now is the horizontal glass block "window". As of now I think I will attach the insulation to the under side of the glass block so it doesn't take away from the cage height. I would then lay a piece of FRP ontop of the glass block to offer a smoother, easier to clean surface. I feel the same about the insulation as the closets are situated on exterior walls. Here in wisconsin, in the winter its a necessity, but I also fiqure keeping the heat in has to be addressed all the same. Thanx for the input, Clint

>>The floor as of now is the horizontal glass block "window".

Hi Clints,

I would build up a subfloor of some sort on TOP of the glass block floor. Maybe just frame it with some 1"x1" stock. I would stick a layer of foil/bubble insulation in there and then stick a UTH on top.

Instead of FRP board on top of the sub-floor I would consider expanded PVC for its heat conducting properties. I'd also consider it for the walls due to the greater color choices. It's probably a bit cheaper than FRP and is MUCH easier to work with. FRP would be fine for a monitor that can scratch, but for a Boa I like expanded PVC.

>>As of now I think I will attach the insulation to the under side of the glass block so it doesn't take away from the cage height.

Trust me, a UTH on top of a thin layer of the foil/bubble insulation will be all you need. The stuff is pretty amazing. The top of my GF's bearded dragon cage gets up to 142*. I set a sheet of the foil insulation on top and it read 83*. And it's very thin, may 3/8".

I would still offer a radiant heat source from above. Since you want to conserve cage height radiant heat panels really are the way to go. RHP's are almost always a wise choice.
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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

Hi Chris, How thick is this expanded pvc, and where would I find this item, who would stock it? I like the idea for the floor.
Thanx,Clint.

Hi Clints,

For less than a full sheet I would call local sign shops and ask for Sintra - the most common brand name of expanded PVC.

I think it's best if you go ahead and use the 1/4" (6mm) thick version.
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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)