Step by step construction on an inexpensive yet nice two cage unit

[cornspot]

For a bigger unit, just apply his ideas to an already-made melamine bookcase. I used sliding doors in mine, but the hinged doors would work just as well. I didn't put bedding dams in mine b/c I just use newspaper, but they could easily be added.

 

[pcar]

Awesome looking enclosure. I don't need anything like this for my corns, but may end up modifying your plans to make enclosures for my RTB's and BRB's. Thanks for sharing.

 

[tom e]

I did it!
Well technically I just bought the plexi today, I'll be putting the doors on after work.
With the Plexiglass cut to size, it cost me about $130. Still a great price! and it looks awesome!
A few words to add-
1 My local home depot won't cut the melamine boards- they said it was OSHA hazard because it makes fiberglass dust. Whatever- I asked for pine instead, figuring I'd just treat it myself- "Oh yeah and we won't cut peg board either- no treated woods of any kind" OK, so do everything but the peg board so I can at least get started, "Oh yeah, and we don't do 'projects' "
Whatever that means.
So I went to another store nearby- paid about the same but paid for all the cuts. I'm glad it worked out that way though- now that I see the melamine- looks great.
I don't remember if Matthew mentioned it or not in the guide, but make sure you buy the plexi last, if you order it to the size it "should" be, you'll probably find in the end that the two shelves are just a slightly different height. Or maybe it's just me.

Delighted with this viv, and proud to say I built it!
thanks again bud!
I'll post pics after Santa brings a digital camera!

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

I did it!
Well technically I just bought the plexi today, I'll be putting the doors on after work.
With the Plexiglass cut to size, it cost me about $130. Still a great price! and it looks awesome!
A few words to add-
1 My local home depot won't cut the melamine boards- they said it was OSHA hazard because it makes fiberglass dust. Whatever- I asked for pine instead, figuring I'd just treat it myself- "Oh yeah and we won't cut peg board either- no treated woods of any kind" OK, so do everything but the peg board so I can at least get started, "Oh yeah, and we don't do 'projects' "
Whatever that means.
So I went to another store nearby- paid about the same but paid for all the cuts. I'm glad it worked out that way though- now that I see the melamine- looks great.
I don't remember if Matthew mentioned it or not in the guide, but make sure you buy the plexi last, if you order it to the size it "should" be, you'll probably find in the end that the two shelves are just a slightly different height. Or maybe it's just me.

Delighted with this viv, and proud to say I built it!
thanks again bud!
I'll post pics after Santa brings a digital camera!

Excellent! I am glad that it worked out for you, even though it was a little more expensive than $100. I had no idea Home Depot won't cut melamine; I have all my own power tools so have never had to actually do it there.

And good point, I'm pretty sure I mention it, but good thinking on getting plexiglass last. Can't wait to see some pics!

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

Awesome looking enclosure. I don't need anything like this for my corns, but may end up modifying your plans to make enclosures for my RTB's and BRB's. Thanks for sharing.

By all means modify it all you want. I think it'd be great to see variations and/or improvements to the design. If you do build one w/modifications I'd love for you to share it.

 

[pcar]

will do. Each enclosure will probably end up being about 4 foot long, but 3 foot deep, and about 3-4 foot tall. Will be nice and big and give the boas some great space to use for a while.

 

[DogStar5988]

So how do you go about heating a viv like this? I am used to a UTH is it possible to use it with that setup? Also any hints on dealing with wires for the thermostats? Where do they come out without making an escape route? Thanks, this may be my spring project

 

[SnakeNbake]

I lurve this cage. I'm planning to build a modified version for my Bearded Dragon. Don't expect pics though because with my building skills you won't want my cage to be in any way associated with your name. True story.

Thanks for the write up and pictures

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

I lurve this cage. I'm planning to build a modified version for my Bearded Dragon. Don't expect pics though because with my building skills you won't want my cage to be in any way associated with your name. True story.

Thanks for the write up and pictures

Hahaha!! Just get nice cuts that are straight and true and the exact size and it will be a piece of cake! I'm sure that yours will be more than worthy of picture posting (and I fully expect to see some! )

And thanks for the compliment; glad you like it!

 

[SnakeNbake]

I'm hoping to start this project today. I get the feeling when I post the pics you'll see a bearded dragon punching his tiny fists against the wall and screaming, "Please for the love of God, someone get me out of this death trap!" Then you'll see the roof inch down a bit as it threatens to cave in and the poor beardie will be curled in the fetal position crying out to the baby Jesus for help.

 

[SnakeNbake]

Hey Matt, just wanted to show you how it's coming along. Ignore the peg board that's sticking out. That piece will be replaced with acrylic this week when the shop gets it cut. Then I'm going to add a bunch of plants and a climbing log for my Beardie. It turned out a lot better than I thought it would considering I've never built anything before. Sorry for the terrible pic quality. I'm not so great at that stuff.

Thanks again for the write up.

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

Looks good!! So the pegboard is getting replaced in the back so it will have two openings? If that's not the case then as it is I would recommend running a piece of wood along the inside to support the pegboard along the seam of the two pieces; but maybe I misunderstood your post and in that case then ignore me.

Keep the pics coming! It's looking great.

 

[SnakeNbake]

Glad you like it
The peg board was more of a 'duh' on my part than anything else. I was so excited about building the cage that I didn't stop and think that worms and crickets can easily escape through the holes in the peg board. I dig the look of the peg board though so I ended up putting another board on the back of the bottom piece (to keep the critters in) and the top part will be replaced with acrylic this week. It won't be another opening. Just a window. Man I hope that makes sense. I'm burnt out and scatterbrained at the moment.

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

Gotcha! That totally makes sense! I would still run a piece of wood along the inside along the top of the lower pegboard where it will meet the acrylic for added support. But other than that, looks great! You should definately be proud of your work!!

 

[rosecat]

modified version, 6 cages 48 x 48 x 15"

i'm currently in the process of making a modified version ... just went to home depot & got all of my supplies (except for acrylic), w/ the boards getting cut it totals $91.50. I'll post pics & a final total when its done

~rosecat

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

I finally have a pdf available for download. I didn't actually make it, and I don't remember who did (if you're that person, let me know so I can give you credit for making the pdf). But it's just this thread in a pdf.

http://www.blueappleherps.com/page9/page5/page5.htmlPDF of Instructions

 

[Shiari]

That PDF is going to be invaluable to me. I'm hoping to, come summer, make three units: one that is as you have described here, one that has three units, and another one that will be divided to create a total of six 12x12x14 units to house future keepers while they are growing up.

I can't wait.

 

[reptidude1]

isnt pine a no no for reptiles?

 

[Asbit]

For something like that it can be sealed and then the fumes will be of no concern as they will not be able to permeate the sealant.

 

[Devilscat]

Great need to be able to find this again. Thanks for all the information.