flexwatt in melamine enclosure - Page 3

DeesBalls · 10-25-11, 01:09 PM

Okay, well i got the flex watt laid down, and taped down with aluminum foil tape, then i laid down the plexiglass, and screwed it down, then used clear silicon to seal around it.. going to put more around the plexi glass after this dries... i also put some underneath the plexiglass so it seals underneath it.... the only thing im sort of worried about is that, the plexi glass sags a bit bc i didnt put enough support on the back side... but should be fine... let me know what you think.

My Helper: lol

Gungirl · 10-25-11, 03:28 PM

Watch out your snake might enjoy rubbing on the sharp edge of the plexi that you left sticking out... If I was doing it your way I would have cut the plexi to fit into the wood frame or at least be even with it...

DeesBalls · 10-25-11, 05:38 PM

Its cut off... i trimed it and filed it down.

Gungirl · 10-25-11, 05:44 PM

Ahh ok then... should be fine as long as you sealed it well.

DeesBalls · 10-25-11, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gungirl

Ahh ok then... should be fine as long as you sealed it well.

oh i did.. lol ALOT of silicon!!! i just put more on. maybe do 1 more layer, and them im giong to pain the inside with spray pain, (just over the silicon and some oopsies) and she will be going into it probably next week...

Nos · 10-25-11, 06:31 PM

thats the exact same thing i did in my snakes cage and helped my buddy do the same thing only i didnt use flexwatt, we used heating pads worked great. will be buying some flexwatt for my next build.

DeesBalls · 10-25-11, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos

thats the exact same thing i did in my snakes cage and helped my buddy do the same thing only i didnt use flexwatt, we used heating pads worked great. will be buying some flexwatt for my next build.

glad to hear that man, i keep having ppl say it wont work and its dangerous... you have any problems yet?

spots · 10-26-11, 08:04 AM

looking good LiL_Boa. So where is this place you get your flexwatt from? have you tested it out yet to see if the air space makes a difference?

Gungirl · 10-26-11, 08:45 AM

I have been running flexwatt sealed under plexi in my BP's viv for months now and have yet to have anything but great results. I just did it a little differently than you did. Still should work good though.

mykee · 10-26-11, 09:14 AM

I'm with Kat here, though I don't have a build like yours, I've seen the more enterprising keepers simply router out the underside of the melamine where the heat tape will go to allow for better heat transfer to the animal; so instead of 5/8" thick where the heat tape is, it's 1/2" or even 3/8" thick above the heat tape. And there is no fear of water and electricity ever coming in contact with each other, as well, should something happen to the heat tape, it's a HELL of a lot easier to repair or replace than what you've done.
Good luck.

DeesBalls · 10-26-11, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spots

looking good LiL_Boa. So where is this place you get your flexwatt from? have you tested it out yet to see if the air space makes a difference?

i get my flex watt from reptile basics... its like $3.10 per foot for an 11'' wide piece, its really nice place... im testing it out now...

hope it works, if now, im taking the whole thing down and doing it with out the elevation...

Quote:

I have been running flexwatt sealed under plexi in my BP's viv for months now and have yet to have anything but great results. I just did it a little differently than you did. Still should work good though.

if you could get me some pics on how you do this, i would be greatly appriciated!! i want to do it this way for my 33x16x12'' cages... since they are only going to be 1 foot high!

Quote:

I'm with Kat here, though I don't have a build like yours, I've seen the more enterprising keepers simply router out the underside of the melamine where the heat tape will go to allow for better heat transfer to the animal; so instead of 5/8" thick where the heat tape is, it's 1/2" or even 3/8" thick above the heat tape. And there is no fear of water and electricity ever coming in contact with each other, as well, should something happen to the heat tape, it's a HELL of a lot easier to repair or replace than what you've done.
Good luck.

I do agree, Kats way may be better, but i will make sure i do everything right, and i will be testing it out too with water (the cage is outside now) to see if there will be any problems with water, if there is.. ill rip out the whole thing, sand everything off the melemine, and just go with a heat lamp on the top like i was going to. i have everything sealed, and to replace, i just need to take out 4 screws and take off tape.... not too bad. the sealent i use doesnt dry hard, when it dries its like rubbery, so i can still get the plexi off.

Gungirl · 10-26-11, 10:02 AM

Ok here are a few Photo's I was able to snap. I just don't have a good shot at the back. All we did was cut out just enough wood along the back to slide the flexwatt in and after we layed the plexi over it sealed everything with Aquarium sealant

And here is one of the proud owner of this viv

Hope this helps feel free to ask me anything you want.

DeesBalls · 10-26-11, 10:27 AM

So you just cut a small slit in the back to slide the flex watt in? Did you cut a small groove from the bottom of the viv to set the flexwatt in? Or is it directly on top of the viv with the plexi over it?

This was does look a lot better, I will admit, just wanted to try something different. Thanks!

Gungirl · 10-26-11, 10:48 AM

We cut a slit along the bottom back of the viv the same level as the piece of wood we used for the bottom. We did not cut into the floor of the viv at all. We placed the plexi right on top and sealed it down. If something goes wrong with the flexwatt we can slide it out the back of the viv replace it and slide the new piece in. ( It will be a PITA to do but It can be done).

DeesBalls · 10-26-11, 10:53 AM

That is for sure what I'm going to door next cages... awesome idea!!!