DIY: Monitor Enclosure

[War Machine]

So I'm making this, in hopes that common savs, waters, and albigs, can find their way to a proper setup.

Now, A little background to justify why I've built the way I have.

I'm 24, Living at home with a "wife" and 3 year old son. With our single mother and single 13yr old brother.

Keeping monitors is a LONG term investment, and a large term investment. Seeing as I live at home (not forever) I need to build this enclosure (for my V.A Microstictus, said to max out at 4.5') efficiently for the animal, and have the ability to tear down/rebuild with complete ease. So, call this a DIY: Mobile enclosure.

I've built to the dimensions of 9'8" long, 5' Wide, and going 6' tall.

So that sums it up, young, living at home, mobile enclosure.

So, lets cover a basic material list. I'm using 2x4 lumber for this, and probably 2x6 for the top. Your first step is to draw up your tank on a piece of paper, create a pre measured wood list, and you're off.

- 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, what ever you prefer.
- R12 Insulation, 3.5"
- Copious amounts of 100% clear silicone
- Copious screws
- FRP, Linoleum tile, or alike
- 14/2 Wire
- Some form of sealer. I use Thompson Water Sealer.
- Industrial grade glue gun, and sticks
- Heat gun, or lighter
- Shrink tubing.

I will update materials as I go. But that should get you going on a solid frame. Sweat the details later.

So, Here I have just started the base footprint, Because I am building on a concrete floor, it is crucial to insulate, and or Raise the tank 2-3" off the ground (haven't gotten that far yet)

Frame out you're bottom section, I did this in two pieces for mobility. Don't forget to frame 16" studs! Saves you later.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_0834.jpg

Drill holes like so, enabling attachment

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_0830.jpg

4, 3/8 Carriage bolts

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_0832.jpg

at this point you can sheet your underside, I used 1/4 OSB because its cheaper, and the bottom.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_0836.jpg

Once that is done, you can fasten the two pieces together via your carriage bolts.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_0838.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_0840.jpg

[War Machine]

Then lay it on its bottom, and bust out the R12 Insulation, Don't forget to use Latex gloves, AND longsleeve shirts! This stuff is very irritating.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_0842.jpg

Here is where framing on 16" saves you so much time

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_0844.jpg

Then you can sheet your Top, I used 1/2 Ply for the bottom, you can use 5/8 if you want for peace of mind, but 1/2 has given me no problems supporting dirt.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_0846-1.jpg

Now, you can lay your FRP, or alike. I got really lucky at work, we got these sheets that our "logo" come on, and They throw it out, but I take it now :) its 1/16 in with, and identical to FRP. I decided to screw my sheets down, just for when I move it, I don't rip it up with the wood.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_0848.jpg

Now comes your copious amounts of slicone, be generous, can't stress enough. And wear latex gloves!

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_0850.jpg

Thats where I'm at as of tonight. I will keep this going pretty quickly :)

[ReptileSeeker]

:D looks good :D

[Scale_fever]

Wow very nice,keep it up with lots of pictures to.I was in the start of building my Kimberly enclosure & a family member perished,so first things first.....but great start,cant wait to see the final product.

[Scale_fever]

Wow very nice,keep it up with lots of pictures to.I was in the start of building my Kimberly enclosure & a family member perished,so first things first.....but great start,cant wait to see the final product.
here a link to my build Diy tree monitor enclosure - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRdOqe--6VQ&feature=youtu.be) i hope you like!

[Pirarucu]

Looking good!

[War Machine]

I've got some crafty ideas for the walls.

Anywho, since there are pipes, and a water meter behind that hole in the wall that needs to be accessed.

I rigged this up with these Swivel casters. Solid steel, with 1/4 plates. Rated for 450lbs each. Rigged six up equally between the tank. I screwed down two 2x4s across the length, to keep stress off that Bolted joint.

Should be plenty strong.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_0852.jpg

Walls are tomorrow night.

[jhinton6932]

i would hate to have to take all the dirt out, and move a huge cage like that! nice job though on making something that is easy to disassemble and move! keep us updated

[War Machine]

Yeah, its going to be a pain in the ***, But imagine taking one apart that isn't built this way :P

I'm supplying this guy with 3' of substrate, He is such an active burrower, He's kept on 20" right now, and I feel bad lol, Hard to believe a 3' monitor can disappear :P

[jhinton6932]

someone needs to create a way to easily remove dirt in this enclosure. i used a shop vac for an 8x4 that has about 2ft in it when i moved into my new house and it takes forever it feels like. someone make an easier way. i mite add taking apart the framework was horrid as well

[War Machine]

Yeah, I'm pretty much planning for pre built walls, Carriage bolts, and a few screws. Frame work stays intact and its just a matter of shoveling the dirt out, with ease, no cramming in the tank breaking your back.

[War Machine]

Sorry for the lack guys, my clutch in the car took a dump on me, so I've been busy with that, and tons of OT at work.

I've got all my wood cut and fasteners ready to go for the sides, just gotta put it together. Tomorrow I promise :)

[War Machine]

Here is how the walls will be fastened, 4 pieces per joint.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image.jpg

Here is how I framed the walls. I chose to "toenail" my studs. Meaning I use the thin section of the 2x4.

When you build these tanks, you need to consider EXTERIOR foot print AND interior footprint. By "toenailing" I've turned my 4" walls, into 2" walls. That's 4" interior space saved.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-3.jpg

Also remember to angle your 2" screws. Or you'll be damaging the surface under neath, and/or have screws sticking out.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-1.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-2.jpg

Also keep in mind, everything has to be flush and square! Or you'll have a nightmare of an enclosure on your hands.

Then you can flip it over and lay your Frp.

That's 34" of dirt going in!

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-4.jpg

More to come.

Just to show you how big this sucker is.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-5.jpg

Enjoy.

[marvelfreak]

Holy cow that looks sweet.

[Pirarucu]

Looking great!

[LAR Reptiles]

Lovin it!!

[Scale_fever]

Lovin it!!

What he said!!:Wow:

[War Machine]

I'll have thorough pictures up next few days. My computer is in for repairs. Lame I know.

But I have a box now! Lol

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/54214_510520588971854_49579532_o.jpg

[War Machine]

Alright, I'm sorry for the delays, had car issues and my laptop is in for repairs lol

Lets go,

Ok where we left off. Once you get all your walls pre fabbed, you can go ahead and fasten the enclosure via your brackets, screws, nails, lags, carriage bolts etc, whatever you fancy.

Then you can start on your ceiling, I built in the same fashion I did my bottom. Once you do that, drill some holes through the studs to run wires like so, staple them down too!

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-36.jpg

All you need is your two wires, white and black, drill out your plywood to drop the wires down before you close it too. Then same thing, insulate the top, bolt it together, grab a friend, and you should have this by now.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-35.jpg

It's also smart to install some butt connectors for ease. It's even more importan to protect all your connections from moisture and humidity. I advocate shrink tubing religiously, more expensive then electrical tape, but worth it.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-37.jpg

I kept my connection in my accessible joint.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-38.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-32.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-34.jpg

Ok, now you have a partial box setup, now you can seal! Seal, seal, seal! Even though this is built with moving in mind, you can only do so much mobility wise. I took no chance for a leaky tank. I foamed every crack and void, and went through about 10 tubes of silicone so far.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-31.jpg

[War Machine]

Once you're done that, we can wire, now, you should have your two wires hanging from the ceiling and out the side or back of the tank. I chose side. The wiring is easy, I picked up an extension tool/power tool replacement wire from Home Depot, it's about $10, and worth it. Also you'll need about 50' of black and white 14 gauge wire, a light switch, wire stripperS, shrink tube and butt connections. Drill some more holes to run your wires.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-29.jpg

Apply some butts to your wires and connect your extension cord end. I kept in about 5" in the tank. So I have a 10' cord for the tank.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-33.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-30.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-27.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-26.jpg

Now people always get confused when it comes to wirin in a switch, it's easy, it's just a break in your power, simple.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-28.jpg

This is what I'm using for my heat lights. Outdoor flood light fixtures. Liquid tight.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-22.jpg

Now pre wire your one light, not mixing up the colors and insuring a solid connection. Or you'll be blowing fuses. It's also very important that you shield your connections in a metal junction box like so, or it can void your home insurance of it ever sparks and catches fire.

[War Machine]

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-24.jpg

Now you can install the fixtures. Remembering to keep whites to whites and blacks to blacks.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-21.jpg

Also pay attention to the little things, like the screws that angle and position the lights, face them to you, so you can adjust with ease.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-23.jpg

And to install butt connections between fixtures, for if you ever need to replace or move them you can without a headache.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-39.jpg

So here is where I'm at as of now, I'll keep updating this weekend. Front frame and doors are next.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-21.jpg

[jarich]

You're leaving your quick connection ends exposed within your enclosure?! That really isnt a good idea man. You can get much better waterproof connectors that hold up against humidity and corrosion, like the ones they use on boats and for outside. Id recommend the same for the ones in that joint you were showing earlier, just in case you ever get leaks past your silicone.

[War Machine]

No they're not exposed, that hanging wire will be housed in a conduit and each connection will be taped up.

And the other one is taped up, left the tape off for pictures. I needed the lights up before I could buy the conduit for the wire.

[jarich]

I kept my connection in my accessible joint.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/image-38.jpg


Youre telling me that you taped this connection after this picture? Thats impressive.

Also, you mentioned before the importance of shrink wrapping the quick slide ends for waterproofing, but then you just tape the exposed connection after? That doesnt make much sense.

Im sorry for giving you a hard time, its just that you are showing a decent example of why you need someone who really knows what they are doing regarding electrical wiring, rather than just guessing yourself. Wrapping that exposed connection in electrical tape and then wrapping a split conduit around that isnt the safest bet. Since this is going in your house, Id say go as safe as possible rather than risk it, like youre doing.

[War Machine]

No I appreciate the constructiveness. I'm not an electrician, and I'm not much in a position to argue.

I don't see the sense in a quick connection just to heat shrink it, that's more of a permanent gesture.

I thought you were addressing the connection at the side, I forgot about the top one, I will address that one better, perhaps use a shielded connection like you mentioned.

Why do you feel a tapped quick connect in a conduit is not a good idea? They're shielded from each other and the environment of the enclosure.

Believe me, I learn as I build these, so take what I preach with a grain of salt, I'm just sharing how I build it :)

[infernalis]

If you wish to have quick connects, buy them at an auto parts store, ask for the ones used to connect a boat trailer.

Tada............

They are "bullet" connectors BTW.

http://www.wiringproducts.com/contents/media/shrink_bullets.jpg

[jarich]

Ya, I hear you man, and your construction looks solid otherwise. Electrical work is one of those things that really has to be right if you want it to be safe though, so I appreciate you being open to this.

You can buy either a waterproof quick connect, which is just like the ones you have with a cover over them (when connected the plastic seals itself from the elements) or you can buy the type that actually have a bit of sealant that goes over the connection to make absolutely sure its safe from the elements. Both are pretty easy to get apart when you need to, dont worry.

In answer to your question, the conduit you put over those wires isnt sealed, so that same high humidity will absolutely get inside. Conduit is just meant to protect continuous wire itself, not any type of connection. Thats why legally you always have to have a connection box for any type of connection. (by the way, that flexible conduit isnt legal anymore either, but that might just be down here in the States ;) )

[War Machine]

Good to know Wayne, thanks, I'll grab some this weekend and replace them.

I'm having a hard time finding a suitable shower door for the enclosure, or If I should go another route. Any ideas?

[jarich]

I have used both shower doors and windows in the past. The shower door was easier to get in and out of, but the window I find to hold the heat and humidity much better. They are already sealed, double glazed and weatherproofed, and relatively cheap nowadays. Plus you can get them in all kinds of sizes and shapes

[War Machine]

Thanks for the info jarich,

I'm going to replace them all with the marine connections to ensure safety. In what context is the flex tube illegal? Commercial and residential manufacturing? Or even personal? I'm not worried about it though lol

The Home Depot rep referred me to it, so we'll hold him liable haha Jk.

[War Machine]

Yeah I've been looking at windows too. Not much available at Home Depot in the size id like. I might have to make a trip to my glass man and see if he can help out. I really like the shower door idea for, like you said, easy to get in and out. All edges will be applied a foam adhesive that we use at work to seal satellite trap doors.

[War Machine]

Sorry about the delay guys, been having major car issues, first my clutch and gearbox, then my turbo, then starting issues. But she's up an running again, boosting properly. But I ordered a bigger turbo for next week :)

I'll be working on the tank this coming weekend. Hope to have the front wall and door frame in. Then it's log hunting time

[War Machine]

tonight I cleaned up the wiring, I replaced the bare butt connecters with Marine grade connectors, (those top ones jarrich sucked to replace :P) moisture proof. then ran the conduit to the fixtures.

Tomorrow I will be adding my second basking location, and bolting down my logs, and framing my front wall

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_1121.jpg

Illegal or not, flexible conduits work wonders :P

[jarich]

Hahaha! They are so much easier to work with; I totally agree. Plus it's not like you need to worry about them being crushed inside the enclosure. Nice job man, can't wait to see the finished product in action!

[War Machine]

Second fixture is in, And the front wall is up, I needed wood clamps to pull everything together, so its all just loose still, tomorrow I will fasten it down tight.

But I'm liking the look so far, that whole front opening will be glass. Kind of like a wide screen view :P

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_1125.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_1130.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_1136.jpg

I'm not sure how I want to furnish the outside yet... Ideas? Has to be classy 8-)

[infernalis]

Looking very impressive so far.

[War Machine]

Thanks wayne, Making do with what I have at my disposal, it COULD be better, but I'm content lol

[Pirarucu]

I love this. LOL. Could put plywood sheets over the outside to make it appear smooth, then paint it black?

[beardeds4life]

Or you could plywood sheets over then stain it then polyurethane it.

[War Machine]

yeah, I was thinking about sanded fir, or birch plywood, then paint it black.

Or some Black Melamine sheets

[infernalis]

I love this. LOL. Could put plywood sheets over the outside to make it appear smooth, then paint it black?

and pack insulation into the gaps, save energy!!!

http://www.chompersite.com/cage_files/roof.jpg

[War Machine]

yeah the walls will be insulated wayne :)

[War Machine]

Tons of clamping, screwing, unscrewing, clamping, rescrewing, the front wall is bolted down and square for glass :)

[infernalis]

yeah the walls will be insulated wayne :)

Not that I can ever say this enough, we had a 24 hour power outage, cooler weather and everything. That cage stayed warm enough to support my lizards the whole day.

[DeesBalls]

gotta be one of the BEST enclosures i have ever seen (sorry to others) but wow man, that is great!

cant wait to see finished product.

[War Machine]

Thank you, though there are some really nice ones out there, I appreciate it.

I don't think of it as an enclosure, more of a house lol

[infernalis]

More people should put forth half as much effort....

[War Machine]

Thanks wayne, its just a matter of creativity, and some handyness :P You know what its like lol.

ps I hope you document your Next enclosure thoroughly, mainly the concrete slap portion. Seeing as when I'm a home owner. Every enclosure will be rebuilt with some permanent, visual improvements :) I can't wait lol

[MrBosc]

Great Work mate =] I've been replying to you on my thread but thought I'd comment on your thread for once :) can't believe how far you've come to get it to this stage! it's an absolute monster of a house aha =] the detail you've gone into on the pictures and description is very good and will be visiting this thread a lot when I go to create my one around January. Keep up the good work, can't wait to see the finished product!

[War Machine]

So Ive yet to update this.

Insulation

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_1768_zpsc7eec8ab.jpg (http://s193.photobucket.com/user/VolcomDub/media/IMG_1768_zpsc7eec8ab.jpg.html)

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_1770_zps0b47ccba.jpg (http://s193.photobucket.com/user/VolcomDub/media/IMG_1770_zps0b47ccba.jpg.html)

Plumbing

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_1778_zps8ee93650.jpg (http://s193.photobucket.com/user/VolcomDub/media/IMG_1778_zps8ee93650.jpg.html)

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_1780_zps9ab7cfac.jpg (http://s193.photobucket.com/user/VolcomDub/media/IMG_1780_zps9ab7cfac.jpg.html)

3/4 walls insulated and boarded.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_1784_zpsa88bee7a.jpg (http://s193.photobucket.com/user/VolcomDub/media/IMG_1784_zpsa88bee7a.jpg.html)

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_1821_zpsaec46f5c.jpg (http://s193.photobucket.com/user/VolcomDub/media/IMG_1821_zpsaec46f5c.jpg.html)

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_1823_zps1755a603.jpg (http://s193.photobucket.com/user/VolcomDub/media/IMG_1823_zps1755a603.jpg.html)

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z197/VolcomDub/IMG_1825_zps052ffb3c.jpg (http://s193.photobucket.com/user/VolcomDub/media/IMG_1825_zps052ffb3c.jpg.html)

Getting there. Final touches now.

[Pirarucu]

Hurry it up, I want to see a monitor in there!

[War Machine]

Ssshhh haha Final touches now man!

[War Machine]

Well we're past 12 weeks, so i'm happy to share with you guys, My GF, Fiance, wife, thing, whatever lol

She is pregnant with my first, her second, child. We are very excited and Looking forward to sharing our herp adventures with another child!

She is due late november!

[poison123]

A little War Machine? Just great :p Congrats :D

[Mark Taylor]

That is one hell of a build cant wait to see it done nice work.

[Cap10Squirty]

Nice looking enclosure! I'm going to model one after your build if you wouldn't mind. A few questions for you:

How thick is the paneling on the outside?
What kind of screws are you using to hold the outer paneling to the walls? (I can't see them :D)

Are you planning on using sheets of glass for the windowed area? If so, could you show how you frame it/build the tracks?

I've been keeping a close eye on this build because it's time for my ornate monitor to get an upgrade!

- Garrett

[jarich]

Love the paneling on the outside, it looks great. I have to say, I am impressed with your patience. I dont know how you can be so close to being done but not get it finished! ;) Having said that, its going to be a lot of work hauling all that dirt downstairs.

[War Machine]

Love the paneling on the outside, it looks great. I have to say, I am impressed with your patience. I dont know how you can be so close to being done but not get it finished! ;) Having said that, its going to be a lot of work hauling all that dirt downstairs.

You're telling me dude! not looking forward to it. And I'm really not trying to rush this one, thats when mistakes get made, and I'll have to address something in a few months... I'd rather take my time and get it done right the first time.

[skelington]

wow that thing is a monster! i have to make my new enclosure portable too due to the fact that we rent. Its pretty rough to design when the biggest door opening out of the house is about 30 inches and we have no garage to build it in. wish i had an inside track to that fiberglass sheeting like you do, i am def jealous!

[Pirarucu]

I opened this thread all excited for an update....

[skelington]

I opened this thread all excited for an update....
sorry, i had to add a comment to make sure i was subscribed

[Pirarucu]

LOL, no worries. Seriously though War, we're waiting!

[yoyo]

Insane. Please post pics when completed.

Cheers!

[Spaulding]

Anything yet?

[infernalis]

Folks, Jason (war machine) has vanished from all the forums and has not answered me on youtube or facebook in many weeks.

I even sent him an email and got no reply.

[kwhitlock]

Shame...hope he's ok! That build is killer! I would love to create an enclosure like that..

[ilovemysnake]

looks good!

[Sublimeballs]

Folks, Jason (war machine) has vanished from all the forums and has not answered me on youtube or facebook in many weeks.

I even sent him an email and got no reply.

Nooooo, I need closure. This is a great build, I hope everything is ok. But he did say he was having a kid in late November. So hopefully we'll hear back from him. Anyone know what species he was making this for?

[Pirarucu]

I was just thinking about this today, I haven't heard from him either. I hope everything's okay. He did say he was having a kid, but that's no excuse for not posting updates... LOL.
This enclosure was being made for an albigularis.

[mdfmonitor]

maybe his connection has dropped or something!