new cage in progress

huhet · 04-07-04, 02:53 AM

i know i just got done with my first cage, but a new one is the making. i was inspired by a dresser i found by one of my building's dumpsters. i gutted the insides and had my step dad who was in town for the weekend fabricate my doors. after i layed down a couple thick coats of dark stain, the crappy pine actually looks a bit like the rest of the piece. holes were drilled in either side for ventilation and the front doors will be completely screened.

now the problem, i don't know how to fahsion a planter box for the bottom. unfortunately, i can't find a rubbermaid or similar container in the correct dimensions, so i believe construction is most likely in order. what would be the best way to go abouts with this? it has to be 100% leakproof as it will be resting on a carpeted floor. if anybody has any input whatsoever it will be helpful and appreciated.

i'm excited to get this cage up and running though i am fearing what will happen with an empty cage lying around.

edit: forgot to add, as always pictures to come.

oiler17 · 04-07-04, 03:02 AM

I don't think it'd be too tough to make something.. get some treated wood so it won't rot from a little water, and seal 'er up around the seams and it should work like a champ. after a long time, if/when it does rot, another one wouldn't be too expensive I bet.

The dresser looks good. I like the idea.

huhet · 04-07-04, 11:07 PM

thanks for the input trent. were you volunteering to put that together?

Collide · 04-08-04, 03:12 AM

Build a box out anything plywood will work, line with plastic i use a thick painters drop sheet i staple it to the top rim of the box u can them trim it off acordingly if desired, also ur gonna want to seal that stain with something safe for the cham. Hope that helps
or gives you some ideas.

oiler17 · 04-08-04, 10:25 AM

yeah I'll help with it. I would have absolutely no problem with that.

Stratusfaction · 04-08-04, 11:12 AM

Another cool thing, that I am in the middle of planning is a bookshelf habitat, it has 5 different living spaces on it. And each are covered w/ drilled pieces of plexi-glass and can be lifted up. Inside each habitat are little round lights for heat of new hatchling leopard geckos. Ok I'll shut up now I just had to share.

-David

huhet · 04-08-04, 12:08 PM

david,

there is nothing wrong with sharing, though in this case, i do believe it would have been more appropriate to start your own thread in the leopard gecko forum.

collide,

the stain is also a sealant. two birds with one stone, as they say. there is little exposed to the chameleon relatively as the only things i did stain were the doors. the rest of the cage will be sealed with a water proofer before i line it the back with tree bark.

how did you manage so that it doesn't leak with the drop cloth?

Collide · 04-08-04, 07:02 PM

Well i dubble lined it keep in mind that they are planted and filled with plants and soil ect. They have never leaked on me ever. I reciently took apart the first ones i made that way and it was still like new, no rips or anything. I dont know if u can seee well but this is the best pic i have to illistrate what i did, again I hope this helps.

Brandy