Enclosures - questions.

Discussion in 'Enclosures, Heating & Lighting' started by PennyLane, Feb 20, 2012.

  1. PennyLane

    PennyLane New Member

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    18
    I'm going to be looking into getting lots and lots more snakes sometime in the next few months and I'd like to build something that can contain several snakes and reptiles, and different sized ones as well. I would like for it to actually look nice, hold 20-50 snakes, and not be a bin rack.

    Would anyone know where I can either purchase something like that?

    This is what I currently have set-up, and it's not really pretty to look at, and it's a waste of space, imo. I designed it exactly how I wanted, and my dad built it. But for some reason he didn't do it with the measurements I asked him so it came out completely different then what I expected. :(
    [​IMG]
     
  2. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  3. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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    Your best option is going to be uniform stacking enclosures that open from the front - generally made from PVC or Plastic; though it is possible to build your own with Melamine or Plywood.

    Here are a few website to show you precisely what they look like; they're not overly costly and many of the enclosures allow for a variety of stacking accomodations ( Ex. 4' x 2' footpring with varying heights, or two 24" width enclosures being able to sit up a 48" long enclosure, etc).

    http://www.dragons4you.net/Cages.html

    http://www.boaphileplastics.com/cages.html

    http://www.pvccages.com/new/

    http://repti-racks.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=6

    There are other companies that make similar models as well = )

    I may also add that while it is not the most aesthetically pleasing, some species do fare incredibly well in plastic rack systems and it is an economical way to keep them. I much prefer the above setup for things like Boas and larger pythons, but some colubrids and particularly ball pythons do exceptionally well in racks.
     
    StikyPaws312 and Louie like this.
  4. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  5. Louie

    Louie Member

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    Your set ups are very nice. Your dad did a nice job.

    What do you currently keep?

    Either way , I think you are looking for something to hold the enclosures?

    Home Depot or Lowes has what you want if that is the case. This is an example but they carry countless sizes and styles.

    http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/EDSAL-High-Capacity-Shelving-1PWT4?Pid=search

    If it is cages you are looking for, let me add a few links to those already added.

    http://animalplastics.com/

    http://www.bigappleherp.com/Big-Apple-Pro-Series-Granite-Acrylic-Cages
     
  6. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  7. PennyLane

    PennyLane New Member

    Messages:
    18
    Yeah it is a nice shelf, it's just huge and I want something that can hold more tanks and look more organized.I was looking for actual new enclosures in general, like the links you both posted. So thank you, I'll check them out. :) I'm very excited lmao.

    I seen these and I think this is something I'd want for mine.
    [​IMG]

    I think we'll attempt at building them though as they vary in sized so much and I would need so many, it would end up costing thousands.

    I have my boa constrictor and a savannah monitor who will need large enclosures. Then a cornsnake, ball python and bairds rat snake who need at least 40-50 gallons. My toad and gecko also need bit smaller enclosures (15-20 gallons would be nice).

    I already thought of how it can be built together, it would take one entire wall of my bedroom. I haven't measured it all yet, but if it goes as how I'm thinking of it, I should have 2 very large enclosures, 20 medium enclosures, and I can have 8-10 smaller enclosures. And I can use the top of the whole unit and have my T's up there. Everything would fit perfectly and I would be able to bring in some new additions. I'll draw it all out now! :D
     
    Louie likes this.
  8. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  9. Louie

    Louie Member

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    It will cost you to build them but nothing compared to buying them only because the shipping is vile.
     
  10. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  11. PennyLane

    PennyLane New Member

    Messages:
    18
    I would only imagine! It costed me 30$ to ship a stuffed toy for my ferrets. I can't imagine enclosures, lmao. I know that my dad built the shelves and enclosure for my boa, the entire thing was less than 50 so it isn't too bad. It's the plexi glass that's the big expense.
     
  12. Cherin

    Cherin New Member

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    68
    have you used cages from PCV? I was curious because I wanted to know what the heat is you can add to it. I was going to go with them because they were decent priced, but then it asked me if I wanted to add heat? is it like a heat panel? I wouldn't think it would be a light because it then asks if I want to add a light too... I'm so confused! :/
     
  13. Louie

    Louie Member

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    145
    No, I don't use PVCcages.com because I like screen tops and they do not make them that way but I know 2 people with pvccages.com (built in radiant heat panel) and they love them.

    I would make sure that the heat is the radiant heat panel but I suspect it is since it is $65.00 .

    Their 28 watt heat panel is the same price as their 40 watt heat panel so keep that in mind if you want bigger stronger heat panel for bigger cages but even small heat panels work great.
    Heat panels in PVC cage go a long way as far as heat and if stacked they even heat cage above it and often you lower the output that much more when cages are stacked with a common rheo or lamp dimmer.

    I use dragons4you and the old animalplastics.com. Like them both alot and they custom make with screen tops.

    This is a pic of their radiant heat panel.

    http://www.pvccages.com/new/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_18071.jpg

    The light is a socket which you screw in one of those no heat spiral type bulbs unless they have changed that.
     
  14. Cherin

    Cherin New Member

    Messages:
    68
    thanks! yeah I'm looking for two cages actually, one for my beardie and then one for the cornsnake I plan on getting, I just needed to know if was panels or light or what the heck it was. I will definitely look at the sites you posted though! thanks!
     

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