building a boa enclosure.

KORBIN5895 · 03-27-12, 10:45 AM

So with the new boas arriving in a few weeks I need to get snapping on my enclosure.

Here are my thoughts. I want to build an enclosure 4'6" tall by 4' wide and 2' deep. I am going to divide it into three enclosures of 18"x4'x2'. I am thinking about using Plexiglas sliding doors. The material is going to be one side good birch plywood. Not sure what I am going to use for the back.

As for heating I am kinda torn. Rhp are too expensive and heat tape has to be ordered in. I was thinking of mounting lights inside but not sure if I want to go that route. The other option I am thinking of is heat cable that is used on your roof to keep ice from building up. It is five watts per foot. I can get eighty feet for fifty dollars. If I go with a belly heat I will place Plexiglas or glass over the bottom and seal it in.

Not sure what I will do for ventilation yet but that should be simple. I know that's a pretty thin skeleton but any suggestions?

Gungirl · 03-27-12, 10:51 AM

For vents I use these on the sides of my vivs. I use the 3" ones but this will give you the same Idea.
4 in. Resin Circular Mini Wall Louver in White (4-Pack)-RLSC4 at The Home Depot

as for heating The only thing I would use is an RPH. I know you said they are too pricey but I don't see anything else working well. The lights will be where the snakes can get to them and flexwatt or heat cable most likely won't get your ambient temp high enough. My royals viv is 4'x2'x18" and there is no way flexwatt would heat it enough on its own.

DeesBalls · 03-27-12, 10:54 AM

what i did for heat for mine... was...

i took little pieces of bulsa wood (sort of like popsicle sticks) and put them around the flexwatt in the cage..

i sealed those down with silicone and then i took plexi cut to the excact size to fit over the flexwatt...

i sealed it with silicone all around to ensure no water can get down to the flex watt...

on the back of the cage, i cut out a 1/8'' slit. so when i need new flexwatt, i can just slide it out, and slide the new in.

works good!! temps stay right at 86 (for RTB) and 92 for BP. hooked to a thermostat of course

i should say my cages are 3x18x12. so they are smaller cages...sorry, i didnt see that it was going to be 4x2x18. for my BRB cage, that was 4x2x2 i used a 100w ceramic heat emmiter. got the warm side of the cage up to about 100, but of course i only set it to about 83-84... so i would say...RHP would work.. unless maybe you did a big piece of flexwatt..... maybe putting a strip of flexwatt ont he top of the cage? not sure ... sorry for the confusion.

KORBIN5895 · 03-27-12, 11:42 AM

This cable I am looking at is eighty feet long. I will have about twenty feet worth in each cage. Not sure if it will get the ambient heat high enough either. I am also toying with running putting some back heat on but don't really want to do that.

KORBIN5895 · 04-04-12, 09:11 PM

So I think I am going with a 4'x4'2' enclosure divided into two enclosures with my 77 gallon on top. I also found someone with a few radiant heat panels I may purchase.

KORBIN5895 · 04-07-12, 02:04 PM

Just purchased the lumber and will pick it up in about twenty minuets. The enclosure will be a two unit 4'x4'x2' birch plywood enclosure. A friend of mine has a few Rhp that I will be purchasing from him. I am unsure of what to do about lighting inside the enclosures.

Strutter769 · 04-08-12, 09:34 PM

I use 24" florescent fixtures in both of my larger gages.

KORBIN5895 · 04-10-12, 04:37 PM

I just bought three xenon puck lights for twenty bucks. I think I will put two in the bottom enclosure and one in the top enclosure.

beardeds4life · 04-10-12, 07:43 PM

for venting I used in my dragons cage Im building this mesh stuff that i cut grooves for and then just slid in. It is to put under outdoor vents and for 5 bucks I got 20 feet

KORBIN5895 · 04-10-12, 08:01 PM

Oh. I found these wicked little vent that I will post pics of later they are $2.50 each but I will try them. I guess the xenon bulb will be an issue on the snake's eyes.

cenecker · 04-10-12, 08:08 PM

I've actually never heard of a radiant heat panel, so I'm learning from this thread. Thanks!

KORBIN5895 · 04-12-12, 07:49 PM

So my father in law and I cut the plywood to size. Now we need to assemble the main box and the add the trim.

KORBIN5895 · 04-13-12, 06:10 PM

Okay. I am thinking of putting vinyl flooring or corrugated plastic on the bottom of my enclosures as an added protective layer. Any other thoughts?

marvelfreak · 04-13-12, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KORBIN5895

Okay. I am thinking of putting vinyl flooring or corrugated plastic on the bottom of my enclosures as an added protective layer. Any other thoughts?

Years ago when i built a couple big cages i put it in them and it really work great and looked nice. I even went 1 foot up each sized. I say do it.

USMCgunner11 · 04-14-12, 02:49 PM

I use Reptile Basics radiant heat panels predominantly. They are more costly but only upfront. They last for a very long time (typically 20+ years and most come with a 10 year warranty). They also use less energy which will save you a few bucks on your electric bill.