Arboreal Enclosures

[CraigC]

Hi all!,
Just wanted to share a pic of the enclosures we use for our emeralds. We like the "all around Viewing" that acrylics afford.
CraigC

http://photo.redtailboa.org/albums/albuq36/cage2.jpg

http://photo.redtailboa.org/albuq36

If the link works, there are more pics of our enclosures.

[sSNAKESs.com]

Craig, you did a awesome job with those! :) The first time i saw them on Tony Nicolis site i fell in love! :oP What did you use to glue the plexi together if you dont mind me asking, and what thickness did you use? :) Thanks man!

[CraigC]

Thanks Jeff,
We build 2 different sizes. The 24" cube pictured is made from 1/4" acrylite and a larger "breeder" cage of 3/8" material. The acrylic supplier has lots of specific tools and glues for working with the material. When I find the time, I'm going to put a "construction guide" together with a tools and materials list, but don't hold your breath! LOL You can find materials and tools at craftics.com if you don't have a local supplier.
CraigC

[KaHane]

Wow! Great enclosure Craig:)

[Clownfishie]

Looks great! :) That's exactly the kind of thing I want to do up for my GTP ....

How much do you figure it cost you to build that?

[Lisa]

Thats a really cool cage.

[CraigC]

Clownfishie,
The materials for the pictured cage was about $123.00 including a cpu fan and transformer. Just the cage would probably be about $100.00. The cost is lower per cage when we buy the material to build 3-4 at a time. However, I had to buy about $500.00 worth of specific tools.
CraigC

[Tim_Cranwill]

That cage rocks!:)

[Matt]

wow, that looks great!

[Lisa]

What tools were required? Thinking of Xmas and birthday presents for katey

[CraigC]

Lisa,
I will try and take some time and write out a list of tools. Mostly, the expenses were for special sawblades for woodworking tools I already had and some framing clamps.
CraigC

[sSNAKESs.com]

Craig, i think i got it covered! lol i have some ultra fine acrylic blades for my table saw here, for plastics and laminates. I have wanted to do something like this ever since i saw tonys on his page, i just thought it couldnt be done! LOL You have proved my theory wrong! Im going to have to give this a shot..

[CraigC]

Go for it Jeff! I'm always trying to improve on the design and I might try a dark colored acrylic for the cage backs next go round. I am also going to try those radiant heat panels as well.
CraigC

[Quakezombie]

Hey Craig very nice enclosure.

Just this last week i have been going over all things needed for working with acrylic.

I ran into this site along the way.
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/default.asp

Also, Here is a site that covers tools etc...
http://www.badmanstropicalfish.com/articles/acrylic/acrylic1.html

Here is one more, http://www.vatoelvis.com/Acrylic.html

Link 1 is supplies
Link 2 is Tools
Link 3 is working with it (i have more of these too)

(Using black acrylic in those places needed) I plan on building the equivalent of two rows of stacked boa cages in 4 pieces (then silicone these together,for possible moving) Wish me luck ! LOL

[katev17]

lol Geez.. good luck! sounds like you're going to have fun... but at least you thought ahead incase you've gotta move! Smartypants. :p

[sSNAKESs.com]

Craig, i think the solid colored back panel would be cool aswell!! :) Did you use a router to cut out the middle window or like a dremel toool? :P

[Them and Us]

is that a pull out droor at the bottem for the substrate and whatever else? if so very very awesome.

[CraigC]

Yes that is a pull out drawer. We use water as a substrate or a combination of water and paper towels. Each time I build a run of cages, I make small improvements. I finally figured out the right thickness combination for the water trays- 1/4" bottom and 3/8" rails.
CraigC

[Linds]

Awesome job!! :D

[BoidKeeper]

Very nice!
Trevor