Started building my permanent enclosure for my Boa

thealien · 01-25-20, 11:47 AM

I had been looking at and pricing larger cages for when my Boa gets bigger/older. I like animal plastics (and have on order a 24" X 24" X 36" tall for the amazon Basin Emerald tree Boa I plan on purchasing) but the 14-16 week lead time and shipping kind of made me look at other options. My local lumber yard has AZEK 3/4" X 4' X 8' sheets part #
AS03448096
Our material would be considered 100% cellular PVC
that I had them rip down the center for 4 equal 24" X 96" pieces. I used stainless square drive screws 3" from each corner and every 8-9" depending on needed spacing. I used food grade clear silicone between the bottom and sides and front pieces. I will still run a bead around the inside and up about 8" in all the corners. I placed an 8' 3/4" X 96" piece in front to keep substrate and water from leaking. I built it in top of a 24" X 96" X 12" high stand made out of 4 2" X 4" and painted it black. I originally was going to do birch plywood but the weight and the cost of waterproofing and sealing made me decide to go this route.

I am now waiting for my 2 pro heat panels and misting system before going any further. I want to lay everything out and router grooves for my dimmable LED strip and the PHP cords. I am ordering the glass on Monday.

I also plan on going bio-active with this enclosure. My Boa is 9 months old 500 grams and about 36" long so I think I have plenty of time to get it ready and get the temps and humidity correct.

thealien · 02-19-20, 05:55 PM

Glass is in.

ClockwerkBonnet · 02-19-20, 10:26 PM

That looks really neat so far!

thealien · 02-20-20, 06:10 PM

Now I am having a hard time getting enough bioactive substrate. I need between 20-30 gallons. I want it up and running for at least a month before introducing my Boa

Veronica · 02-21-20, 06:52 AM

Do you have access to bulk supplies to make your own?

thealien · 02-21-20, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veronica

Do you have access to bulk supplies to make your own?

Researching that now. I am a 58 year old guy with 2 bad shoulders and disabled. Easier if I could buy bulk premixed. I have 1 friend that helps me with heavy lifting and assembling things but he works full time and I don't want to wear out my welcome (also I take care of my 91 year old father with the onset of Alzheimer's)

Kind of why I want to do Bioactive. Harder to set up but should be easier to maintain.

Veronica · 02-21-20, 11:58 AM

The Biodude sells in bulk (2 36 quart bags) it's pretty expensive though.

Jman22 · 02-21-20, 08:57 PM

Awesome project! Equally awesome that you take care of your dad. That is a lot of stuff on your plate! Really hope this turns out great for you. Looks amazing so far!!

thealien · 02-21-20, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jman22

Awesome project! Equally awesome that you take care of your dad. That is a lot of stuff on your plate! Really hope this turns out great for you. Looks amazing so far!!

Thank you, just trying to be a good person. For my dad and my animal.

thealien · 04-26-20, 08:48 AM

I have since added ABG substrate, leaf litter, and some plants that I planted inside some 4"-5" tall cork stumps to hopefully give them a chance.

Veronica · 04-26-20, 11:00 AM

That looks amazing!

thealien · 04-26-20, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veronica

That looks amazing!

Thank you.
I still have a few more plants but want to see if he destroys these first. Since I planted them in some cork rounds I think the ones in the back will be fine. The one in the front is questionable as the substrate has to be less than 4" due to the sliding glass.

thealien · 04-27-20, 04:53 AM

He is testing the plants for strength. They pass for now.

ClockwerkBonnet · 04-27-20, 08:16 AM

What a beautiful snake!

thealien · 04-27-20, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClockwerkBonnet

What a beautiful snake!

Thank you. It took my a couple of hours to choose him in person at the breeder six months ago.