How To Build An Acrylic Enclosure

[AaronRiot]

Well,

I have been planning cage(s) for quite a while now.

I'm choosing 1/4" acrylic as my material. I personally have made plenty of melamine/glass cages in my day, but this will be a first for me.

After some research, I found a shop that sold by the sheet, and would cut it down to size at no cost.

So I've drawn up some plans and will be picking up the pieces in the next few days.

I was going to post a step by step...BUT...I found these video's that do a much better job than I would, so I thought I'd share my find!

How to glue Acrylic - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT6Ow_cBTps&feature=related)

How to build a Box with Plastic - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNPNiIeAi5g&feature=like-suggest&list=UL)

I will add my own pics as I go, like the door idea and perch mounts etc.

My little nipper is coming home on the 23rd barring any unforeseen delays!

[AaronRiot]

This is awesome. I love youtube. Best thing for DIY since a pen and paper. This guy is making a fish tank...to each their own... but it totally applies to making a nice acrylic snake enclosure. Although, he is using 1/2" whereas a snake would not need that strength. Unless you have a giant, but I don't even know if they'd push enough to warrant it. This is a lot more concise than the videos above. Personally, I thought they are excellent ant worth sharing with the reptile community.


How to prepare your acrylic edges::::
HOW TO: Build An Aquarium PART 3 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&NR=1&v=CMyGtuekZb4)

Putting together a larger enclosure::::
HOW TO: Build An Aquarium PART 4 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rsUbzVwaUo&feature=fvwp&NR=1)

Creating a door::::
HOW TO: Build An Aquarium PART 5 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=pRIhyV1gwaw)

*he uses a router. I don't have one, I am tossed up between buying one, renting from home depot, or using a saw... We'll see I have to think on it.

Welding the top and flame-polishing::::
HOW TO: Build An Aquarium PART 6 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caJQsEJ5QBc&feature=endscreen&NR=1)


Anyway, this is what I will be basing mine on. I am buying by the sheet, so to keep it within a single sheet for my "tester" I'll be making a 2'x2' ish cage for my Chondro. It will not be it's permanent home, but should do for the next bit. I wanted to make a single unit before moving on to a larger multi-unit enclosure...just to get my bearings you know?

[beardeds4life]

sounds great when i have time I will check out the videos I want to make an acrylic tank for my crab but there current cage is fine and my beardie is next in line

[lady_bug87]

looks really cool I may consider doing something like this for my bigger vivs thanks for posting

[AaronRiot]

Well! I got my materials today, acrylic 3/16th" for a 3x2x2 + hinges and handle + 4 perches + applicator/glue etc for only 140. 30 of that being reusable items such as the glue and torch and applicator thing.

I love projects! I'll take some pics along the way. :)

[AaronRiot]

Edit - oh and they cut it to my measurements too, at no cost :D

[lady_bug87]

awesome where did you get it cut if you don't mind my asking?

[AaronRiot]

Plastic : Plastic Sheets : Plexiglas : Epoxy : Fiberglass : Plastics : Resin : Plastic World (http://www.plasticworld.ca) It's right by downsview park.

[lady_bug87]

wicked thanks

[Skumbo]

Any update on this? I would love to do this being a big DIY guy once my snakes need an upgrade in the future. I cant seem to find acrylic nearly that cheap around me though, I'll have to look around. Online is about that price, but then its 50% more for shipping, and I might as well go buy a $250 enclosure premade.

I also feel like this would (not only look way cooler) but be a bit more escape-resistant than a big tub, lol.

[AaronRiot]

Hey, yes, I finished putting it together on Thursday, however, I have been away on business until tonight, I will put up pics then.

Despite a few learning curve mistakes, I found it to be a huge success :D

Over the next few days I'll be getting the insides together.

[KORBIN5895]

Seriously looking forward to the pics. I am going to be building something in the next few months and want to see how this looks.

[AaronRiot]

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx69/RiotRunnerr/067dc1cb.jpg

I'm having to do this from my phone bc when I got home Dell still hadn't shipped my laptop back from the shop... I should have it Friday now...so they say... This will have to due until then when I will post a detailed report :)

[lady_bug87]

wow that looks amazing!

[KORBIN5895]

Looks great! How can I find a local acrylic dealer?

[AaronRiot]

Thanks! When I post close ups you'll see where the mess ups are a lot better, and I'll explain how/why they were made.

Korbin - just google your city + acrylic + sheets or your city + plastics. You should have a choice or two... In Toronto there are quite a few.

[KORBIN5895]

BWAHAHAHAHA! This is new Brunswick we are talking about!

[Skumbo]

How tight is the seal on the door, obviously security is a concern with crafty snakes :P

[AaronRiot]

Yeah it's solid and there is a half inch lip all the way around. I also have three more clips I can put on, but I'm not sure if I will yet.

I also have 4 perches to put in and I'm working on the plastic plants right now that are held in place with one to three suction cups. I've decided not to put in the pothos just yet in order to give them some time to strengthen up, soon though. I still have to order the heat panel as well.

Heres a peek at some of the plastic plant being tested out, I'm pleased with these as well. I have quite a few more too... Ferns and these cool big tropical stems. Input here is most welcome!

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx69/RiotRunnerr/af60d862.jpg

[BarelyBreathing]

That looks really good.

[Maclyal]

hopefully you used stainless steel bolts & nuts, if not you will find the humidity will rust them quite quickly.

just a suggestion to help you not have to replace them.

looks very nice.

[Skumbo]

hopefully you used stainless steel bolts & nuts, if not you will find the humidity will rust them quite quickly.

just a suggestion to help you not have to replace them.

looks very nice.

looks like theyre on the outside anyway..

I love the looks of this, i'll definitely have to go the acrylic route, sealed in a lot better than a crappy aquarium anyway since I need humidity for my snake

[Trent]

Really looks good!

[millertime89]

that looks amazing!