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View Full Version : Future Boa Home - concept - ideas requested


jwsporty
07-01-03, 06:48 AM
http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/1149boa-tank-med.jpg

Hey Folks,

Well I have decided that this will be the future home for my BCI. Currently I have a store display fixture that is 5'L x 4'H x 2'D, solid glass on three sides, glass on the top (which has been removed), sliders on the fourth side, internal recessed lighting to accomodate a flourescent light, and two separate compartments below the viewable area also on sliders, with access between the two compartment. This is the concept that I am working off of. I would ike to hear your thought on how I can improve this

The top: plywood and 1"x8" stock to create a cap (this was already built but not yet comleted). This will house a caged heat lamp and UV lamp. lighting will be timed to natural day/night cycles, temperature measured and thermostat controlled

Glass (three sides): This will ultimately be roller painted in black melamine paint on the back and the two sides will be left clear. The glass will have holes 6" in diameter, to house ventilation ports (have figured out what I will use for these ports yet), the one on the hot side will be mounted high off the deck of the floor while the vent on the cool side will be mounted close to the deck.

Glass (front - 4th side.) Sliders, lockable

Perch: This will be large dowel removable, sealed and decorated.

Hot Side heating (upper level): This will be the largest Exoterra UTH mounted on the floor and covered with a piece of 3/4" slaten (source: busted piece from a pool table). Dimension will fit snugly inside the cabinet with silicone around all seams.

Hide: will be made of something durable and cleanable, maybe 1/4" plywood, sealed or from fibreglass or poly panels. It will also be removeable for cleaning.

Access hole to lower level: This will be a large hole in the floor leading to the storage area below. It will be drilled closer to the slider glass side. It will be finished and sealed for easy cleaning.

Lower Level: this area is currently solid on three sides and solid sliders will be in the front (not viewable)

Lower level hide (left side): This is the area on the left side, it will also have a heat panel and slate covered and sealed, but the temp will be measured and maintained on thermostat at a lower temp.

Access to right side: there is currently a vertical separator between the two lower level halves but it leaves about 6" to gain access to both sides. If necessary I will open it up to give more space.

Lower level (large water tub): of course water proofed and tub removeable. No heating

Substrate: none except in the upper level and lower level hides and this will likely be paper towel or newspaper. Everything else will be sealed and washable.

Humidity control: If necessary I will install a fogger on the upper level to maintain a standard 50-55% humidity.

Wiring: all wiring will be channelled and sealed to a control module at the back of the unit. Thermometers and Hygrometers will be measured and viewable at the front and or side of the unit.

The whole unit will be powered by a single cord with all required outlets installed into the control module.

Control Module: will house thermostats for upper and lower heat pads, timers for day/night lighting cycles, power outlets GFCI protected to heaters and lights

Well that is the general concept, and I already have the foundation. The basic lid is already assembled but that is as far as I have got with it. So no other holes have been drilled. This will be the permanent home for the boa and I want the best for him. I would like to hear your views and ideas on how I can make this concept better before I start pouring money into it. Incidently this will also be a furniture piece, unlike my rack system..;)

Invictus
07-01-03, 09:31 AM
I had a very similar concept for a terrarium. Looks good, I say go for it.

lakeridgekennel
07-03-03, 09:44 PM
how big of heat tape should I use in watts I mean and where can I get it. do any of you have any pics of your heat tape set up
hanks
Sean

jwsporty
07-04-03, 03:27 AM
lakeridgekennel,

your question is a little vague. Are you talking about for a similiar setup to my proposed boa tank, or are you talking in general. If yo are talking about my boa setup, it will be the largest possible Exoterra UTH when things are ready. Heat tape is not readily available in Canada as it is not CSA approved, although if you look around you may find sources. UTH (under tank heaters) is the way most go and generally you would get one large enough to cover 1/3 of the tank floor surface. Both Zoomed and Exoterra make a variety of sizes and personally I use the Exoterra line as I have head of problems associated to the Zoomed line. Heat rope is another option that has become available which would be great for a rack system. The wattage will relate to the overall size and even the smallest one can exceed the safe limits of the heat zone required by many reptiles. Therefore whichever way you go, make sure you put the setup on a dimmer or thermostat and get a proper digital thermometer to keep the hot spot temp in check. Hope this helps

Jim