And the "building" of my Viv begins!

Unsung-melody · 09-02-12, 09:02 PM

So, as some of you may or may not know, I am "building" a viv for my spotted python using an old bookcase. I went and picked up the bookcase today and began on my adventure!

This is what I stated with:

Then I cut holes using a borrowed drill and 2" hole saw:

Then I inserted the vents:

Finally, I attached the aluminum channels (which were a pain and a half to cut) using silicone and went ahead and siliconed all the edges.

I have to add the plexiglass doors tomorrow because they did not conveniently come in the size I needed and I can not cut the suckers (I tried and tried and now have to buy another piece because I messed the first one up). I will update when I have the doors on.

QUESTION!!
Where do I get the little lock and handle things to put on the doors?

MDT · 09-02-12, 09:20 PM

I got mine at Lowe's

Unsung-melody · 09-02-12, 09:21 PM

What are they called? I hate going into those huge hardware stores not knowing what it is I'm looking for. lol

DeesBalls · 09-02-12, 09:35 PM

i think if you ask for "display cage locks" they will knwo what they are....

where did you get those channels at?!?! i couldnt not find anything like that any where!?

MDT · 09-02-12, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeEuGi

i think if you ask for "display cage locks" they will knwo what they are....

Yep. Except I was much more technical. I asked for "the little thingies that lock a glass case". The sales lady said "right over here".....in and out 5 minutes

Unsung-melody · 09-02-12, 09:45 PM

I got it at home depot. It was supposed to be used for a screen door. It came as a 7 foot strip.

Rogue628 · 09-02-12, 10:31 PM

It's looking really nice so far! Can't wait to see the finished product!

Unsung-melody · 09-02-12, 10:38 PM

Lol. Very nice. I'll be sure to use the more technical terms, MDT.

Thank you, rogue. I can't wait to get it finished!! Craftsy stuff gives me a headache. Or maybe it's the silicone... Lol.

red ink · 09-02-12, 11:02 PM

Nice job mate... should look real nice when finished. I like the fact that there's three more spaces........ room for more little snakeys

Unsung-melody · 09-02-12, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red ink

Nice job mate... should look real nice when finished. I like the fact that there's three more spaces........ room for more little snakeys

Possibly one day. For now, I'm going to use the other shelves for my books and supplies. More reptiles could be in my future, but for now, at least, I'm at max capacity for my tiny house and even tinier budget. Lol.

Unsung-melody · 09-04-12, 09:03 AM

So I'm finding it very difficult to get the glass doors installed. I took the plexiglass to my dad so he could cut them and it didn't turn out very well. I would really like plain old plate glass and I could get it cut for cheap but I don't know how I'm going to install it since my channels are already installed. :/

DeesBalls · 09-06-12, 09:04 AM

Well, i used plexi glass, and for some of the cages, i could bend them a bit and they would pop in. with the others, i would have to put the bottom of the glass in, and then put the top on... and THEN attach the top rail to the cage....

does your shelves move at all, is there a little give to them, so that way you can "work" them in?

Ivanator · 09-10-12, 07:50 PM

Do you have the channels on the top also? If not you can always get a little bit taller ones and put them at the top, then cut the plexiglass a little smaller so that you can put it in at an angle and it'll still fit in the channels w/out falling out. I hope that made sense. It definitely confused me when I reread it.

Raven09s · 09-17-12, 08:13 AM

I'm trying to find a book case that size for my BP. It's just hard to find one that's deep enough.

Unsung-melody · 09-17-12, 11:42 PM

It was impossible to find. My dad built this when I was little and it just happened to be the right measurements.