DIY Enclosures!!

[pugsly]

To all those newbie?s out there don?t get sucked in to buying a vivarium from a pet store or reptile shop, as you may have noticed, the users well I would say majority have DIY enclosures and they are so easy to make.

Here is a list of equipment to make a 3 level reptile enclosure. Of course you can change it if you only want the one but this is the one I am building at the moment. All equipment can be found around the house or at your local Bunnings.

1. 1.8m x 1.2m of 3mm MDF ? Back = $15
2. 2 x 1.8 m x 0.6m of 16mm MDF ? Sides = $40
3. 4 x 1.2m of 16mm MDF ? Top, Bottom and Shelves = $75
4. 4 x 50cm 50mm x 50mm Pine @ $2 = $8
5. 6 x Locks - @ $4.50 = $27
6. 4 x 65mm Hinges @ $6 (about) = $24
7. 9.8m of 70mm Pine ? Doors - $20
8. 3 x Light Globes 60-100 Watt = $10
9. 3 x Lamp Holders - $12
10. 3 x Wall Plugs ? $8
11. Power Lead 10m of 10Amp 3 Core - $14
12. 3 x 1150mm x 475mm Perspex (3mm or 4.5mm) @ $40 (thereabout) =$120
13. 4 x TA2 Thermostats @ $27 = $108

Total cost for 3 enclosures = $480
Total Cost for 1 - 1.2m x 600mm x 600mm enclosure = $160

All you need to do now is screw a few things together, Glue it all, maybe give it a stain, and wire the lights and thermostat. Seriously takes no time at all what?s a day on the weekend hey! Then Bobs your Uncle! Compare that to your $700 pet store one. Just a suggestion!

I may have missed something so all those expeiriences herpers out there can add anything but this is the way to go!

 

[pugsly]

ok diagram didnt turn out great once it resized email me if you want the proper one [email protected]

 

[diamond_python]

If it is made out of MDF, you will need to seal it really well.

 

[pugsly]

it doesnt have to be MDF can be ply or anything. but MDF comes in big sheets which can be cut, rather than joining up more of another material like pine so works out cheaper. But yes they can be sealed easy enough.

 

[diamond_python]

it doesnt have to be MDF can be ply or anything. but MDF comes in big sheets which can be cut, rather than joining up more of another material like pine so works out cheaper. But yes they can be sealed easy enough.

True. But I have been told by various people that MDF retains smell unless sealed properly. I finished one of my units today and it is out of pine and I sealed it well. The rest of mine will be built out of melamine. It is personal preference

 

[pugsly]

yeah it is up to the individual, hadn't heard that about the MDF im going to use Ply anyway, a friend of mine has about 10 ply enclosures and there all good so thats the way im going but the post was just an easy option. send me some pics of ya enclosure if ya got any.

Whats Melamine?

 

[diamond_python]

It is what most people prefer to use to build their enclosures from. I can't think of the right words to describe it. If you see it, you will kick yourself as you will know what it is, Guaranteed!! CHeck out your local bunnings and you will see what I mean......

 

[BIGTOE]

I work at an Mdf factory - get HMR if you can (highly moisture resistant) it costs more and is heavier... but make sure you wear a dust mask when cutting this stuff it has formaldahide in it and the wood dust is carsonogenic! Ill see if I can find some of the warnings about this stuff and post it up for your benefit

 

[keelow]

I second that with the dust mask, i use MDF everyday at work and it's nasty stuff.

I made my enclosure from it, works fine, but i painted mine inside and out with enamel and sealed the inside with a hard wearing Urethane varnish.

 

[keelow]

I'm about to start project two and three, a 6x3x2 olive enclosure.
and a 3x5x2 enclosure for my MD.

the MDF box is being given to a friend, it's so heavy and due to the size it tends to sway when being moved.
I'm moving to QLD in a year and i don't want to take it.

The new ones will be built from pine frame and Ply screwed to it and a nice moulded front to hide the glass tracks.
if it works i'll be able to take them when i move without much trouble, takes alot of force to hurt ply wood

False top will be 3 inches under the real to hide wiring and probe thermostat. Kickers wont be as big.

 

[_popp_]

$480,you could allways get flat packs off me @ $200-$250 each per 4x2x2 enclosure in malemine,just screw together,put tracks in,wire it up & your done.This is very easy n takes away the cutting & muckin around of building from scratch.If theres any questions regarding flat packs contact me via pm or email [email protected] .


cheers popp

 

[Greebo]

Glue it all, maybe give it a stain, and wire the lights and thermostat

This subject has been raised before. Wiring you own enclosures is not reccommended unless you are a qualified electrician.

 

[_popp_]

Thats a very good point greebs & the reason why all my enclosures will be tagged by a licenced sparky.



cheers popp

 

[hugsta]

If you use MDF you should use a MDF sealer/primer before painting. It will seal up the MDF so the paint won't get "sucked up" by the board. I would also use an oil based gloss for inside (IMO) as this way water and urine etc won't soak through.

 

[pugsly]

na i got my uncle to do mine and he showed me how to do it, its so simple anyone can do it. i can put a diagram up for wiring if ya like. but yes of course an electrician is ideal.

Love the enclosure Keelow magnificent.

480 would be for three enclosures with everthing you need, $160 for 1, the wood alone would be half that.

Dont cut the wood yourselves, firstly it comes in sheets of 1.2 x 600 hence the size i made it. secondly big sheets can be cut for like a buck at bunnings all you do is screw it and seal it!

Good luck

 

[peterescue]

Hey Bigtoe. There was a thing on the radio on the weekend about history of the timber mill where you are. Interesting
On the MDF we donot use it here anymore and I can veto working with it where it is brought in and used by contractors.
It has to be sealed(painted on all surfaces) and when we remove it we arent allowed to cut it up. I am hoping that eventually it will not even be accepted for use by contractors that do work here.

 

[hugsta]

I make all mine out of melamine or pine. Melamine lately as there is a lot less work involved.

 

[Greebo]

its so simple anyone can do it

Insurance companies tend to disagree with this.

 

[pugsly]

lol yeah probably, all I'm saying is that it is not difficult at all Brown wire to Brown Screw, Earth Screw to Earth etc. But yes I fully endorse using an electrician were available.

As with the MDF i didnt mean it to cause a stir, I am using Ply with mine, which doesn't need to be sealed just a nice stain.

 

[hugsta]

You should also make sure to seal up all the joints with sikaflex or the like. stops water/urines etc. getting into the joints and rotting the timber.