Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm sorry if this has been addressed many times before, but the search on this site well............. not the best.

Here it is, I was building some new wood cages for some adult red tail boas, and I was considering some different ways to put in some heat tape as UTH.

They will be about 4'x3'x2' (lwh)

I was using 1/2" thick wood so I'm thinking under the tanks is not an option.

I was thinking router a channel for 2 strips of 11" tape that would give me a hot side of 3'x2' approx., and cool side about the same.

Then I was considering covering it with some Plexiglas with air holes (on a thermostat).

Does this sound reasonable???

Any other suggestions welcome, as I often overlook the obvious.

Thanks in advance for any input
TomChambers

Here's what I would do.

Cut a rectangle out of the bottom of the cage that is 2" wider and 2" longer than the piece of heat tape you anticipate using. Don't cut the rectangle all the way to the edge of the cage, make sure it's one piece for strength.

Then cover the entire floor with 1/8" expanded PVC, most commonly known as Sintra.

Or don't have a wood floor at all and staple 1/4" PVCX directly to the bottom of the cage. I've done this and it works well.

Then use foil-tape to attach the heat tape to the bottom of the PVCX. PVCX conducts heat very well due to the foamed interior. The foamed interior also acts as an air space which increases safety. If you keep the wooden floor then you'll have an additional 1/2" airspace as well.

To me this makes the cage better in every way. The floor is more durable and easy to replace. A nice feature for Boas.

The PVCX also increases thermal mass which helps distribute heat around the cage. It also makes the cage lighter.
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Current snakes:

0.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.3 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

3.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)

"Or don't have a wood floor at all and staple 1/4" PVCX directly to the bottom of the cage. I've done this and it works well."?

This sounds like a great idea, I have heard you speak of extruded pvc and pvcx in other posts, but I don't have personal experience with these products.

Can you link me to a retailer for PVCX as this sounds like a great solution. I found 1 source online, but there must be more.

Thank TomChambers

>>This sounds like a great idea,

Tom,

I have only done this with 4'x2' cages made from 3/4" plywood. I'm sure it will work with 4'x3' cages made from 1/2", but take care that the cage is strong structurally on it's own.

Expanded PVC or any plastic sheet product is not always best to buy online. San Diego Plastics, Tap Plastics, and US Plastic all carry it.

Shipping is very expensive and only adds up to money saved if you buy several sheets. Not knowing how many cages you're going to build I'm guessing you're better of looking locally.

Start with plastic distributors or fabricators in your area and ask for expanded PVC or Sintra. I found it at a plastic fabrication shop that specialized in building acrylic podiums and displays.

If that fails or the drive is too far I'd recommend calling local sign shops. In that case you should ask for Sintra, not expanded PVC. The sign industry pretty much calls all expanded PVC products Sintra. Sort of like asking for plexiglass and getting generic acrylic.

Only then should you start considering an online purchase. Or if you do plan on a large order.

Just a quick tip.

Since Sintra is not exactly cheap you might consider making your cages 48"x32" instead of 48"x36". By leaving out those 4" you can cut a full three bottoms from a full sheet.

On the same note, the outside dimensions need to be 48"x32" so you can overlap the entire rim of the cage with the Sintra. Make sure you account for that up front.
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Current snakes:

0.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.3 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

3.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)

thanks chris,

I found a few local places in the phone book, and I'll call them Mon.

I was going with the 1/2 inch to save some weight. I used it for some smaller cages in the past and they were sturdy.
I'll make a protype first to see if 1/2" or 3/4" will work best for my application.

Thanks again
TomChambers

p/m me if you like, I know the forums are touchy sometimes.

Thanks again
TomChambers

Look for PVCX in the products lists. They may also sell Sintra.
Jeremy

thanks Jeremy,

I saw their web site, If I can't get it locally as suggested, I will call them.

Thanks again
TomChambers

Tom, heat will warp plexiglass in no time, found this out firsthand. atrox182

Thanks atrox,

I'm going to avoid it.

Thank you
TomChambers

How about placing a heat pad inside the tank, and then a layer of linoloeum over the entire floor?