enclosure questions

LLinz · 05-09-11, 03:36 PM

So I'll be building my ball python a new enclosure soon, I plan an making it 4.5 feet long, 3 feet deep, and 3 feet tall. I'm not sure what type of wood to use or how to seal it on the inside, so it won't warp or anything. Any types or suggestions would be great! Thanks

Coffee Black · 05-09-11, 04:11 PM

Just posted this on Randy's thread ha.

Minwax makes a good water-based wood sealer that I used on the in-progress water dragon enclosure. 3-5 thin coats. Can be re-coated after about 2 hours, I wait at least 3 hours. Costs about $17 a quart here in albany, NY. We let it dry/cure two weeks then shoved bulbs in there and left em on for two weeks. Plan was to have it done by now but life gets in the way I'd definitely let it cure by itself for two weeks and then heat it up to your animal's specs for another two weeks.

Jay · 05-09-11, 04:14 PM

dont wanna be rude but it would be much easier to build a 4x2x2

LLinz · 05-09-11, 04:26 PM

My snake is very active and climbs all over everything from 8pm to 6am everyday, so I want to give him lots of room.

Marica · 05-09-11, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coffee Black

Minwax makes a good water-based wood sealer...

Indeed, you want to look for a water-based product. I found a light sanding before the last coat really helped smooth the surface. Bigger is always nicer, though keep in mind the depth for cleaning - I find even reaching in 2 feet a little taxing. Also, when contemplating height, consider what accessories you can put in to use that height and which of those your snake will actually use. Here's a link to an enclosure build I did last year. I added a ledge in the enclosure that my snakes use quite frequently, though I doubt they use the branches I have leaned against them.

LLinz · 05-09-11, 07:29 PM

Thanks! I want to get this started asap, but I want to make sure I'll build the best tank possible thatll last me a long time

fflamingmoe · 05-11-11, 01:02 AM

You got mail.

The Reptile Man
-Chris D

Millinex · 05-11-11, 04:34 PM

I use simple latex based paints when I want to seal something.

-Mike

**Aaron_S** · 05-11-11, 04:38 PM

Remember to measure how big your doors are for when moving this from room to room. 3 feet might be pushing the limit.

Millinex · 05-11-11, 04:41 PM

Good point Aaron, I can't get my 7x4x4 out of my bedroom without completely tearing it apart.

-Mike

LLinz · 05-20-11, 04:24 PM

We are going to use the glass from his fish tank for the doors if possible. What kind of wood is the best? For durability, safety, etc

LLinz · 05-26-11, 03:40 PM

Alright, so now after looking at the costs of everything, I'm debating if I should pick up a big old dresser and turning that into my snake's enclosure. My question is: how do I make sure its made of a safe wood? There's some that are hazardous to snakes isn't there?
I plan on using the glass from my snake's current fish tank for the front if possible.

stephanbakir · 05-26-11, 03:54 PM

Some woods are bad, some paints are bad, some paints give off crap when they heat up, same with some sealants. I'd be careful. Its not impossible though

LLinz · 05-26-11, 04:19 PM

Yeah I figured. And there's no way to really know what kind of wood it is... I just don't have the money to spend on building a new enclosure, but if I used a dresser it would be do-able.

paulholcomb · 05-27-11, 08:13 PM

I used an old Oak bunk bed and Douglas Fur plywood, some Lexan from an old stock car I built and some PVC for climbing branch. I then put in a potted plant and some silk ferns and silk grass to replicate a savannah. I used a 28qt sterilite tub for water and slate rocks that are glued together to create a water feature with a waterfall kit. I can do a complete write up for you with cost if you'd like. It's 54"longx18"deepx36"tall