Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was actually going to post tonight and ask basically the same question. After reading your opinion on acrylic I was wondering if you could elaborate?

I have a sheet of acrylic 50' X 100" that my employer is willing to give me (as in free...I can't say no to that). I already have the dimensions worked out and my cut list prepared. I was going to ask what SPECIFICALLY I should ask for at the hardware store to bond the acrylic together. I know I've asked a similar question before concerniing PVC but I would like to be able to walk into the store and tell the person exactly what I am looking for.

But, now you've got me a little worried. I need to build a new cage/tank/home for a friend's ball python and figured the price was right for the acrylic. Why do you say to steer clear of acrylic? Was it solely because of the species Antares is keeping? Could you be more specific as to the problems I may or would face when building the tank? Would it be alright for a ball python?

I was planning on a 48" L X 12" H X 18" D tank with pegboard for the back to allow for ventilation. I figured this would be more than adequate ventilation. Also, I planned on belly heat. Would the heat tape cause the acrylic to warp? Could I some how reinforce against this?

I know I'm asking a lot of questions but I'm not the greatest builder in the world and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
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Sometimes, things are exactly as they appear...sometimes.

It will be easier to address your questions with that information.
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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

Spartech cast acrylic. It measures 1/2" thick.
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Sometimes, things are exactly as they appear...sometimes.

I don't now that exact brand of acrylic but I'm guessing it's one of the better ones.

>>I have a sheet of acrylic 50' X 100" that my employer is willing to give me (as in free...I can't say no to that).

I assume you mean 50 inches, not 50 feet, correct? If it's 50' then send me some, LOL.

>>I was going to ask what SPECIFICALLY I should ask for at the hardware store to bond the acrylic together.

Unlike PVC solvents you'll need to look somewhere other than a hardware store or home improvement center. One of the IPS Weld-On products is what you need but I can't remember the exact on. Maybe Weld-On #3? Regardless, you'll have to order it online or look up plastic distributors in your area. There's a chance that a local glass shop will have it if they do display work with acrylic.

>>Why do you say to steer clear of acrylic? Was it solely because of the species Antares is keeping?

Primarily because of the species in question, but also because it's pretty hard to work with. I won't go into all the details of how to work with acrylic. There are websites on how to build acrylic aquaria and working with acrylic in general that will do a better job than I can.

>>Would it be alright for a ball python?

The fact that it is 1/2" is strongly in your favor. It will be a bit harder to cut but overall easier to solvent-weld and it will be less susceptible to warping from temperature differentials.

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>>I was planning on a 48" L X 12" H X 18" D tank with pegboard for the back to allow for ventilation.

Unless this is tinted acrlyic I believe a pegboard back will cheapen the look. Better to route in ventilation like the pros do, IMO.

>>Also, I planned on belly heat. Would the heat tape cause the acrylic to warp?

I'd say there is still a good chance. A radiant heat panel will be much better.

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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

...as always you are more than helpful. I'll see what I can do instead of the pegboard for ventilation and look around for the stuff you recommended. When I finish I'll post some pics.

Thanks again...you've been a bigger help than you know.
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Sometimes, things are exactly as they appear...sometimes.

Chris it is weld-on #3 (water thin) for acrylic but you also need to know if the acrylic you are using or plan to use is a "cross linked acrylic" weldon #3 will not weld cross linked acrylics as for this all i know is the acrylite brand i use is not crosslinked not sure the ones that are .
If you check with local sign shops etc as chris stated ask them if they have any " methol Chloride" thats what most use by the 5 gallon buckets full . Its the same base as weldon #3 and they may even give ya a pint you will also need a syringe applicator for it they would have them also my weld on #3 costs about $7.99 for a lil pint .. once you get these products DO NOT get the weldon or methol chloride on the acrylic it will haze it and be permenant stains . you also need to make sure that the acrylic has perfectly flat sides when you join it if it has rough saw cuts you will need remove them to get a good tight weld with the waterthin . If you choose to use there other i think its weld on #16 thats the thick stuff aka monkey snot made for rought cut joints but you will need set time for it to hold it in place to dry , the water thin sets in about 2-4 mins depending on amount of air flow to it hope this helps some
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