Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was thinking about turning this old dresser into a Tokay enclosure and I could use some design ideas.

As you can see in the pictures the dresser is divided into 2 sections but it can easily open up into 1 section.

With the dresser opened up into 1 section it would give a size of 4ft tall x 3ft wide x 1.5ft Deep. If I keep the dresser divided in 2 sections the top section would give a size of 2.5ft tall x 3ft wide x 1.5ft deep.

I am thinking I should open up the dresser and make it 1 big enclosure (4ft x 3ft x 1.5ft). I was thinking I could put a plexiglass opening door on the bottom. On top I was thinking 2 vertical doors either made of screen or plexiglass, but im not sure which would be the better choice .... the plexiglass would hold in heat and humidity better but screen would make for easy cage misting.

I am also not so sure how I should set up the heating as I wont be able to use a heat light unless I mount it inside the enclosure which im a bit iffy about doing ... or maybe I could use a heat mat(s) or heat panel(s) mounted on one of the walls (ceiling, back wall or one of the side walls).

So what does everyone think ..... screen or plexiglass doors up top?? ..... Heat light, heat mat or heat panel?? If heat mat or panel where should I mount it, inside outside, ceiling, back wall, side wall???

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!!

I am going to make the top section into a tokay enclosure and the bottom will be for something else (who knows what).

The top section will give a inner size of about 34" wide x 29" tall x 16" deep .... I think this should be good for a pair or trio.

I am going to hang 2 vertical plexiglass doors, I figure the plexiglass will hold heat in nicely. I think I might just use a screen also though (behind the plexiglass) as this would make for no hassle enclosure misting and will also help avoid escapes.

I think for heating I am going to end up using a dome fixture, I havent decided if I will use a light bulb or ceramic heat emitter yet though. I will cut a circle in the enclosure and mount the dome fixture outside and on the inside I will make some type of screen grill to cover the hole and heating unit. Obviously the norm would be to mount the fixture on the top of the enclosure but im thinking I might just mount the fixture on one of the side walls instead (probably middle level) because I like using the top of this enclosure for a aquarium and small supplies.

Do you think it would be ok to mount the fixture on a side wall instead of the top??

I like plastic mesh better than Plexi. The plexi scratches, bows and absorbs water..... Plastic mesh with 1/4" screening works great and the lizards like to run all over it...otherwise galvi mesh would be ok...just spray paint it black.

I would put their hiding area up on the back wall or ceiling and then you can plant the cage with potted plants....

Use a few lower wattage bulbs for heat...one red on all of the time and the other a plant light that also provides heat.

Seal the enclosure to prevent water being absorbed by the wood.

You could keep a nice group in there for sure!!!!!!

Kevin
>>I was thinking about turning this old dresser into a Tokay enclosure and I could use some design ideas.
>>
>>As you can see in the pictures the dresser is divided into 2 sections but it can easily open up into 1 section.
>>
>>With the dresser opened up into 1 section it would give a size of 4ft tall x 3ft wide x 1.5ft Deep. If I keep the dresser divided in 2 sections the top section would give a size of 2.5ft tall x 3ft wide x 1.5ft deep.
>>
>>I am thinking I should open up the dresser and make it 1 big enclosure (4ft x 3ft x 1.5ft). I was thinking I could put a plexiglass opening door on the bottom. On top I was thinking 2 vertical doors either made of screen or plexiglass, but im not sure which would be the better choice .... the plexiglass would hold in heat and humidity better but screen would make for easy cage misting.
>>
>>I am also not so sure how I should set up the heating as I wont be able to use a heat light unless I mount it inside the enclosure which im a bit iffy about doing ... or maybe I could use a heat mat(s) or heat panel(s) mounted on one of the walls (ceiling, back wall or one of the side walls).
>>
>>So what does everyone think ..... screen or plexiglass doors up top?? ..... Heat light, heat mat or heat panel?? If heat mat or panel where should I mount it, inside outside, ceiling, back wall, side wall???
>>
>>Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!!
>>
>>
>>
>>
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Thanks for the tip on the mesh, I will check it out.

I like the idea of a hidding area on back wall or ceiling!

Do you think mounting the lights on a side wall will work ok opposed to mounting them up top? Cut holes and mount dome lights on outside of enclosure or just mounts bulbs inside and cover to prevent direct contact? What do you think, 3 lights total?