I am constructing an enclosure for my Albino Burmese python out of a 135 gallon aquarium. I realize this is not the most practical of choices, but given the fact that I bought the tank for $50 it WAS the cheapest! The tank is 60" x 29" x 18", and is solid 1/2" glass all around. I will be turning the tank on its side, so the top becomes the front, and I'm using two 1/4" Lexan (clear polycarbonate) panels for the doors. Currently the only holes in the tank are at the bottom (which will be the back wall) for where the aquarium plumbing came through. Here is a photo... There are identical holes on each side of tank, one is the size of a silver dollar and the other the size of a fifty-cent piece. I will cover these with a heavy-duty aluminum screen material. I plan on drilling additional (1/4") ventilation holes in the Lexan doors, which measure 21" x 18" (pictured below). My question is...how many holes do you think I will need to properly ventilate this tank, and where on the door would be the best location to concentrate them? Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
The top would be the safest to put the holes, just a suggestion... you might want to consider putting a computer fan in one of the sides to pull outside (the tank) air into the tank as well as circulate the air in the tank. Some reptiles don't do well with the "buzzing" so try to find one of the more quiet models. Good luck! Tank looks great so far!
That would be awesome, but I have NO experience cutting glass...and I don't even know what I'd use to cut into 1/2" thick glass, but I'm certain the tool would cost more than the aquarium did!! This tank weighs over 250 lbs, so taking it somewhere to be cut is out of the question. I almost blew-out a testicle carrying it into the house!! It has been suggested (on another forum) that the existing holes in the rear will provide enough ventilation on their own. I guess I could set it up and watch the humidity levels...if I see too much moisture I can add holes. Still welcoming suggestions.
Your most likely not going to find a way to cut that thick of glass without heat fracturing it. My enclosure is divided in half so for each 2'x2'x3' area I have three 1 1/2" holes covered by a soffit vent. Seeing how that tank is glass you will have lots of heat loss and glass that thick will make external heating an issue. The vents should be towards the top on the sides or front panels in your case as to prevent direct air drafts where the snake will spend most/all of it's time. The vent size is going to be determined by area size and materials ability to handle heat and moisture.
Yeah, I figured as much...and unfortunately I dont have a plasma cutter at my disposal. I will be using a Pro-Products Pro Heat PH-12 (12 x 24) panel, which was specifically recommended for this enclosure to compensate for the higher rate of heat loss. Temp will be controlled with a Spyder Robotics thermostat. As far as humidity, if I cant keep the levels up I will add a Pro Mist system. I just wish they made the circular vents in a clear acrylic material...I hate the idea of cluttering up those nice Lexan doors with opaque plastic vents (I'm still bummed I couldn't find clear hinges that would work). That's why I was just going to drill 1/4" holes in a circular or asterisk pattern as to not obstruct the view. However, I guess if I go with 2.5" or 3" circular vents I can plug them if I'm loosing too much humidity. I'm starting to wish I had just incurred the extra expense and bought a Vision cage.
If you could find a router bit to do it, you could cut the lexan out maybe 1/4" X 4" slots at the top of the doors. That would look much better than circular vents but if circular is the way you want/have to go, restaurant supply stores may be able to locate you buffet table hood vents. They usually come with stainless door that twists open or closed. And I know the feeling after the sweat equity I put into my enclosure I almost wish I would have just store bought an enclosure.
Decided to go with these so I only had to drill once per side... Aluminum intake vents - $0.35 each. I think they came out looking pretty clean...for a shoestring-budget project. Still have some work to do...I will post a thread of completed project when I'm done.
