Kirk1701
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- Nov 10, 2017
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Hi all
After doing some reading I am wondering if I might make my own enclosure. I’m pretty handy and I have read a bit here, but I have a couple of questions.
I’m looking at using melamine, which should be pretty easy to work with.
So here are my questions:
1. I’ve read of other people using 16mm melamine - is that a good thickness?
2. In this type of enclosure what sort of heat source would I use? I’m planning to keep a Stimsons Python so I was thinking a heat mat. Where would it be placed in a melamine enclosure? Underneath or inside?
3. Ventilation both ends seems the way to go. I was thinking of drilling holes and covering them mesh/flyscreen on the outside. Would this suit? Would there need to be additional ventilation in the top?
4. Hinged or sliding doors? Hinged seems easier.
5. What measurements would work for a hatchling?
I’m thinking given the cost of the materials I am proposing I will be able to make a small and large enclosure for probably less than the price of a store bought.
Thanks in advance
My alternative is converting a piece of furniture. For example I found a cube storage unit at Kmart that’s 79x30x23. Laying it on its side I could move the positioning of a shelf to make a divider half way (which could be removed when the snake is full grown). Then drill holes and cover in mesh for ventilation and add perspex doors.
Would something like that need waterproofing?
After doing some reading I am wondering if I might make my own enclosure. I’m pretty handy and I have read a bit here, but I have a couple of questions.
I’m looking at using melamine, which should be pretty easy to work with.
So here are my questions:
1. I’ve read of other people using 16mm melamine - is that a good thickness?
2. In this type of enclosure what sort of heat source would I use? I’m planning to keep a Stimsons Python so I was thinking a heat mat. Where would it be placed in a melamine enclosure? Underneath or inside?
3. Ventilation both ends seems the way to go. I was thinking of drilling holes and covering them mesh/flyscreen on the outside. Would this suit? Would there need to be additional ventilation in the top?
4. Hinged or sliding doors? Hinged seems easier.
5. What measurements would work for a hatchling?
I’m thinking given the cost of the materials I am proposing I will be able to make a small and large enclosure for probably less than the price of a store bought.
Thanks in advance
My alternative is converting a piece of furniture. For example I found a cube storage unit at Kmart that’s 79x30x23. Laying it on its side I could move the positioning of a shelf to make a divider half way (which could be removed when the snake is full grown). Then drill holes and cover in mesh for ventilation and add perspex doors.
Would something like that need waterproofing?
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