New project!

[Unsung-melody]

So, I started on a mission to get a better enclosure for my spotted python. I wanted one to display in my living room, so one that looked nice was a must. I also have back problems so the stand would have to be tall enough that I wouldn't have to bend over to get into the enclosure. After doing quite a bit of research, I decided to convert a shelf of a bookcase into a viv to minimize building as I have very few tools. I searched and searched and could not find a bookcase wide enough. I finally gave up and decided that if I wanted it to be so specific, I was just going to have to build it myself, stand and all. So I start pricing and it wasn't too bad, but was more than I have right now. Then I run into my dad, whom I ask to borrow his tools for the "bookcase" I was building. He tells me I was more than welcome to, but that he still has the bookcase that he built me when I was a kid, which just happens to be 36x12x72 with shelves 18" apart. This was incredibly perfect!! Since everything I have read said an adult spotted python can be housed in a 20 long, I knew this would work because it is longer and taller! So I went to the hardware store and bought everything I will need except the glass for the doors at a grand total of... $30.03!!

3" vents, aluminum channel, electrical tape, and a fluorescent light for light during the day without heat.
http://i1156.photobucket.com/albums/p562/zombie-girl2009/3f14fc44.jpg
http://i1156.photobucket.com/albums/p562/zombie-girl2009/40d6ff4a.jpg

Whoop whoop! Now all I have to do is go pick up the bookshelf and get started.

I do have a question though, I don't know if I should use a CHE or UTH (inside), or both and I'm not sure how to route the wires to the outside of the enclosure.

Also, if you see anything I'm missing, please let me know. :)
Sorry for the novel, just had to share!!

[MDT]

Those air vents are perfect. I just put the same kind in the new enclosures I recently built. I have diff vents in other enclosures and it's difficult to control humidity in there. Good choice! Post pics of construction!!!

As far as electric, could you not just drill opening large enough to slip plug through and get small piece of material, slot it and slip it over cord and opening (blocking the fairly large-ish hole) and affix it snugly to the back (or top) of enclosure? I'll try to get pics up of what I'm talking about....

[Unsung-melody]

I think I can visualize what you mean. And I hadn't thought of that, so thank you!! If you could post a pic I would be emensely grateful, because sometimes I come up with these amazing ideas that I can picture perfectly in my head, and they're so flawless and beautiful, and then when I try to execute them, i just fail miserably. Actually, most of my ideas turn out this way. I tend to over complicate things. Lol.

[Lankyrob]

I use ceramic heat emitters, to get the wire insid e the viv i remove the plug and then use a screwdriver to break a section of the vent enough to fit the wire through, then replace plug and you are sorted :)

You can see what i mean behind the snake in this pic :)
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo200/Lankyrob1975/12062012392.jpg

[Unsung-melody]

Ok! Thanks!! I don't want to put any more holes in the bookcase my dad built me than entirely necessary. How many vents do you recommend? I thought one on each side and two in the back. Is this too many? Also, the mesh you used around your CHE, is it plastic? How does it not melt from the heat? And isnt putting a CHE inside a wooden Viv kind of a fire hazard?

[Lankyrob]

My 4x2x2foot vivs have two vents in the back and that seems ok.

The guard is made of coated metal and whilst it gets warm you can touch it with a bare hand without burning as long as the bulb is centralised in the cage. I have seem pics where the bubl is resting on the bottom of the cage and would imagine that any snake getting close to the grib would still be burnt by the bulb.

The CHE are desgined that the heat is directed down wards, whilst some heat rises and warms the wood it is not enough for a fire risk - HOWEVER, i have inherited a viv where the guy had put the CHE RIGHT in the corner of the viv and it DID burn the melamine, all mine are hung directly in the centre front to back and about 8 inches from the end of the viv and have had zero issues.

[MDT]

As far as number of vents....I put 2, one high and one low at opposite ends of the enclosure. Someone on this board recommended this (though I can't remember who)...seems to allow for good air flow. Props to whoever it was :)

[Unsung-melody]

Awesome! Thanks you guys! @Lankyrob, where did you get the coated metal cage? Did you make it? If so, could you tell me how?

[MDT]

Consider also PVC/HDPE material.....
Again, this based on suggestion from Mykee here on this forum (I get my best ideas from other people!!!).
Here are some cages I just put together with HDPE:


http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-enclosure-discussion/94161-new-enclosure-day.html

[Unsung-melody]

That's really great! Looks incredibly awesome!

[MDT]

Pretty easy to work with. And if you're not wanting to drill a bunch of holes in the bookcase your dad made, it's one option.

[Lankyrob]

Awesome! Thanks you guys! @Lankyrob, where did you get the coated metal cage? Did you make it? If so, could you tell me how?

Heat bulb guard | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=Heat+bulb+guard&_sacat=0)

[Unsung-melody]

Not a single one of those sellers will ship to the US. :( Why are these not available here?!??

[Unsung-melody]

Found one in the US!
Bulb Guard Light/Heating Element Protector [PI 50000 - 50001] : Creativepet.com, Serving your critters online since 1996 (http://www.creativepet.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1)
Only problem is that my little one could easily fit through the slots and still burn herself.

[Gungirl]

Go with a radiant heat panel and save yourself the trouble. Then for the electrical cord issue google desk hole covers and you will see tons of options. Some might need to be glued into place but works well all the same.

[Lankyrob]

Found one in the US!
Bulb Guard Light/Heating Element Protector [PI 50000 - 50001] : Creativepet.com, Serving your critters online since 1996 (http://www.creativepet.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1)
Only problem is that my little one could easily fit through the slots and still burn herself.


I have various types with larger/smaller holes, one of them had small enough holes that a 8week old corn snake couldnt fit through it :)

Guess its just a case of searching further, sorry cant help more :)

[Unsung-melody]

Thank you! I will look into it. Do you think a proper temp gradient will be achieved with a rhp in an enclosure only 36"x12"x18"?

[Unsung-melody]

I have various types with larger/smaller holes, one of them had small enough holes that a 8week old corn snake couldnt fit through it :)

Guess its just a case of searching further, sorry cant help more :)

That's ok! I don't mind searching!! Thank you for all your input!

[Lankyrob]

Thank you! I will look into it. Do you think a proper temp gradient will be achieved with a rhp in an enclosure only 36"x12"x18"?

If i could afford them i would use RHP's in all my vivs, this is the plan for the future when money allows :) They are different wattage (i think) so you can get one to provide the right strength for the size of your enclosure.

[Unsung-melody]

If i could afford them i would use RHP's in all my vivs, this is the plan for the future when money allows :) They are different wattage (i think) so you can get one to provide the right strength for the size of your enclosure.

Yeah! I found a 28 watt one for $65. And I found a thermostat for $45. I was prepared to drop about $200 on a new Viv and with the money i saved by using the bookcase, I can get both for cheaper than buying just a new inclosure!:)