Attaching PVC to enclosure walls? (And other enclosure questions)

[Max713]

How do you guys go about it? I'm going to be expanding Scarlett's 4x2x2 soon, and adding PVC climbing perches. After watching her on the shower curtain rod, I'm sure she would appreciate some more round, branch like climbing options in her enclosure. Only problem is I'm not sure how to attach the ends of the PVC to the sides of the enclosure? I don't want to make a PVC structure, just individual pieces straight to the wall. I was thinking about capping the PVC, and running screws through the caps from the outside of the enclosure, but caps can be expensive...
So how do you guys go about it?

Here's her enclosure as it sits:


And what it will turn into:


Excuse my crappy rendition...
Planning on a 30"Wx18"Hx24"D upward extension. There will be a 15" opening from the bottom enclosure to top (where the dashed line is), in order to retain the proper heat gradient in the bottom half. Ill be replacing the mesh roof, with a wood one, and moving all heat elements into permanent fixtures inside the enclosure (with wire cages of course). The bottom half will remain essentially the same, although I think I will move her hide, and attempt to install a drain-able water dish, also, I will replace the wood "branches" with horizontal PVC "branches". The upward extension is for the sole purpose of more exercise room, with basking potential, the only thing in the upper portion will be PVC "branches" and most likely fake greenery.

Other questions:
-I'm looking for better door ideas, for the upper portion specifically. I'd like to use 1/8" plexiglass, but I need ideas how to mount in, on, or behind a wood door frame.
-Where do you guys find your cheap fake greenery?
-Is anyone using a drain-able type dish, and how do you have it set up?


PLEASE post picture examples if you have them
Thanks ahead of time for any and all help you guys can offer!!


-Max

[zer213]

caps would be a decent way to do it. Or you could just run threaded rod through the pipe. Or just use threaded rod, its not exactly razor sharp. Would certainly run less then $10 from Lowes or Home Depot.

[zer213]

OHHHH, just saw the "cheap greenery" part. Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, etc. Wherever they sell fake plants.

[Max713]

Originally Posted by zer213

OHHHH, just saw the "cheap greenery" part. Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, etc. Wherever they sell fake plants.

Thanks for the tips, but have you ever seen the prices at michaels? They are ridiculous! Was hoping for a good online site with a good selection.

[zer213]

True about Michaels prices, however they do offer a 50% off coupon in their fliers Hobby Lobby has an online coupon for 50% everyonce in a while but they have decent sales. Offtopic I have a bunch of framed art for my apartment that I got on the cheap thanks to Google, Kinkos (tell them youre a student and theyll print anything), and Hobby Lobby coupons.
Generally I just hit a hobby store or walmart.

[Lankyrob]

Some of the fake plants on Ebay are pretty cheap

[zer213]

I keep forgetting ebay exists. I need to see if I can find a screen top on there. Anyone know of any decent resources for screen tops? 90 gal tank is 48 1/2" x 19 1/12". I was going to order one but the screen was an inch short of the tank.

[stephanbakir]

Ebay = amazing bargains for the lucky ones, and the ones who take the time to search for the right product at the right price.

[presspirate]

Cheap Plants at any dollar store. Attatching pvc I use caps screwed into the wood. They are usually less than a buck a piece depending on the size you use.

[Max713]

Liking the ideas, hunting ebay now, keep them coming.
I'd still like to hear some more PVC attachment, and front door ideas. Starting to think I may just go with drilled caps for the PVC, but I'm still looking for more ideas!