DIY Stacking Enclosure Madness

[Xanafein]

Ok, So I finally Got my Tax Return, So it is Time to build my Babies Some forever homes that are Almost as pretty as they are.

For starters, Dimensions

I would like as much feedback as possible, As these dimensions Give me the Lowest cost:waste ratio for the ridiculously expensive Birch Plywood im using

Im thinking, four 4x2x2's for my Carpets and and 8x2x2 for my 66% jampea tiger dwarf Retic. I am pretty sure the dimensions for the Carpet cages are fine, But im wondering about the retic, I feel like i should maybe add more depth but im not sure, Adding depth to the retic Cage, Would cost another 45 bucks, and it could then be as deep as 4 foot

The cages will be Three Stacking Units the top two, Will have a removable acrylic (or plexglass) divider that can be Slid out During Breeding Season

Each cage will be heated using RBI radiant heat panels, And depending on cost, illuminated by Remote florescent lighting

They will also all have Sliding acrylic doors on wood tracks, With Brass Handles, And a single jewelers case lock for the smaller 4, and two of the same jewelers case locks for the longer one

Will also use 5 one and one half inch circular holes with the apropriate fittings for wires, And each of the small cages will have a rectangular vent, and the larger will have two


Should take me 6 sheets of 3/4" 4'x8' birch plywood (270 usd) 32' of sliding wooden Glass tracks (possibly brown polymer depends on cost of project) and the Assosiated Acrylic panes

[Terranaut]

Sounds good so far. Post pics and start building. I am starting a DIY project Monday.

[Xanafein]

Actual build wont be for a while, there are some logistics that need working out, but i had dimensions questions, so i thought id get a thread started so ive got my answers when i need em

[Gungirl]

The only thing I would suggest is to make sure when you build them do so to allow at least 1" of spacing between them when they are stacked. When using an RHP you will feel the heat on the top side of the viv. So to stack ours we put 4 - 1x2's between the vivs to allow air flow. 1 on each end and 2 evenly spaced in the middle. if you want it clean looking frame in the front and leave open the back to let the air flow.

[Xanafein]

I will take that int o consideration, although with a thermostat, And the low wattage, Im not worried to much about some warmth on the bottom of the cage particularly since ill have a solid 6 inches of of substrate as well