Custom 4x4 Carpet Enclosure

[HoldenC]

New 4x2x4 Carpet enclosure in the works! We're using PureBond Maple plywood panels and knotty alder for the frame and trim. The floor is insulated and it has a false ceiling as well. I will be welding and fitting a black polypropylene liner for the enclosure on Monday. The sliding glass doors will be installed Tuesday. Lighting and heat emitters come after that.











*I'm hoping the 1/8" black polypropylene liner will help with husbandry, cleanliness, and to protect the wood from moisture. The poly will cover the inside of the enclosure except the ceiling. It is 100% watertight.

This is what the welded plastic looks like (except this is clear). It's a thermal weld using hot air and polypro weld bead:

[Mikoh4792]

Wow looks awesome. Have you only been focusing on the cage for now? Or what do you plan to put inside?(for perches, shelves...etc)

[HoldenC]

Thanks Mikoh! So far, I've put all my resources toward building the viv, but I have big dreams of a realistic jungle scene with a recirculating pond, downed trees, fake rocks and vines dangling from above.

I did have one question. Where is the most effective location to install the ventilation holes?

[LarryS]

Awesome build!

I am looking forward to seeing the welded poly interior. This is something I have always been interested in but never tried.

Beautiful dog too!

[sharthun]

Great work! Looking forward to the finished viv.

[Mikoh4792]

Originally Posted by HoldenC

Thanks Mikoh! So far, I've put all my resources toward building the viv, but I have big dreams of a realistic jungle scene with a recirculating pond, downed trees, fake rocks and vines dangling from above.

I did have one question. Where is the most effective location to install the ventilation holes?

I've made a thread about this before, and people have recommended putting the holes near the top on the back and side panels. Although I think it depends on what you are looking for.

[formica]

nice build, i used polycarb to line inside my last wooden build, worked great!

my preference for ventilation is one set at the bottom on the front, and one set on the back at the top, this allows the warm air to rise up and leave out the back, which then draws cooler air into the front

[HoldenC]

Thanks all. I'm excited for the poly liner as well -- best of both worlds.

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

I've made a thread about this before, and people have recommended putting the holes near the top on the back and side panels. Although I think it depends on what you are looking for.

Originally Posted by formica

my preference for ventilation is one set at the bottom on the front, and one set on the back at the top, this allows the warm air to rise up and leave out the back, which then draws cooler air into the front

This makes sense. Air holes at opposite ends will cycle the maximum amount of air, but also have a greater effect on temp and humidity. Considering it's fairly cold and dry where I live, and the doors will be opened at least once a day, I'm assuming one small vent bottom/front and top/back would suffice.

[formica]

Originally Posted by HoldenC

Thanks all. I'm excited for the poly liner as well -- best of both worlds.





This makes sense. Air holes at opposite ends will cycle the maximum amount of air, but also have a greater effect on temp and humidity. Considering it's fairly cold and dry where I live, and the doors will be opened at least once a day, I'm assuming one small vent bottom/front and top/back would suffice.

its easier to cover uneeded holes, than drill more in later on, especially if you are using plastic inner walls

I have 7 X 1mm holes, front and back, and 3 top-back on each side, in my CRB enclosure, its currently cycling before she goes in, the humidity is holding @ 90% without a single spray required in over 2 weeks - humidity is <15% in my house now the central heating is on

[benja1]

Hey there:-) i always put two or three holes. (Depends on the lenght of the inclousere) in the lower side in the (cold end) and high in the warm end. As warm air rises i think it makes a good cyklus. Sorry about my bad english

[HoldenC]

Benja, your English is a hundred times better than my Danish. I ended up drilling one 3 inch hole on each side, one low and one high. They are both adjustable by turning the vent cover (like a pepper can).

This is taking a lot longer than expected. I was all Monday this! and Tuesday that! Right, right. We just got the insulation in and started welding the walls and floor together.

[MizCandice]

Wow that looks amazing, I wish my husband were half as handy lol... Not to mention the handsome dog! Keep us posted, Im curious to see how it looks when all complete.

[HoldenC]

Originally Posted by MizCandice

Wow that looks amazing, I wish my husband were half as handy lol... Not to mention the handsome dog! Keep us posted, Im curious to see how it looks when all complete.

Ouch. Haha. We really have no idea what we're doing, but thanks!

Speaking of being clueless, I had one more small question if you guys don't mind. We are making wood runners for the sliding glass doors using a table saw to cut the channels. I'm planning on ordering 3/16" tempered glass. How much of a gap should I leave between the two channels? The two glass panels will overlap in the middle, how much room should be between them?

Hopefully that makes sense. Thanks again.

[formica]

I'd recommend using Plastic runners tbh, the glass movement will eventually wear away any sealant you use to protect the wood, humidity will cause rot/warpin and eventually the runners will fail - you can buy plastic runners for peanuts on ebay




build is looking really nice and clean, nice work

[LarryS]

Id be interested to hear more about the plastic welding if you don't mind. What kind of welder do you use, is there a steep learning curve?

I find this part fascinating.

The build is looking great!