Custom Cage Build

[crixus]

I am going to be picking this baby up tomorrow and start on the transformation. The space is just about 5ft tall by 50 inches at widest point and 25 inches at most depth.

Going to cut the doors and do plexi glass front with a new water proof coat i found that 100% water resistant then cutting the corner sides out for screen and top out for screen.

 

[CrazyChamLady13]

Beautiful cabinet... I'm wanting to do the same thing but I have to wait

 

[crixus]

picking it up for 35$...

 

[crixus]

Its coming along nice. Going to get custom glass doors made. The sides will be screen. Then work on the drain system.

 

[crixus]

After the paint. Just drying then time to seal the entire cage.

 

[Ahyriah]

That is wicked awesome! I love everyone's craftness and DIY spirt on here. When a project like this comes along its so inspiring! Someday... when space isn't an issue

 

[WebEviction]

Looks great! Really looking forward to seeing it all set up

 

[ridgebax1]

Nice catch for 35 bucks! It is going to look awesome, keep the pictures coming!

 

[Daybed]

that is a fantastic job seriously impressive

 

[jbrough42]

This is a great setup! I can't wait to see the finished product. The "Rock" background is amazing.

 

[xraygirl]

Dude that is going to be so awesome! Please keep us posted on how it's coming along!

 

[jbrough42]

What did you use to cover over the Styrofoam to give it the rock look?

 

[jmwhitel]

Very cool! I am in the middle of a VERY similar project. Really looking forward to seeing your process

 

[crixus]

What did you use to cover over the Styrofoam to give it the rock look?

groat, then got black paint in a water bottle and sprayed it. Then dry brushed grey and green paint

 

[crixus]

all most finished

 

[crixus]

instead of doing screen sides i got plexyglass and had them drill holes in it. In the back there is also a few holes you can not see for more ventilation. They are not screened yet, but he eats dubias and worms so im not worried about them getting out. There should be plenty of air flow though.

Lights are arcadia with a standard basking light.

I am adding side lights from light your reptiles (LED) with side mount for more light in the cage and give the plants more light.

Also if you look close the cuts are nasty on the side glass, that will be covered with a frame, just have to get it cut. The doors need to be adjusted as well they do not work well with the original holes so I am going to drill all the way through the wood put grommets in it and use bolts to secure the door.

Also going to toss in a lil dripper to go with my rain system all ready in place. The cage is a HUGE upgrade from his old little screen cage. This was harder then I thought it would be only because the wood was extremely hard and would not cut well. When i would drill my holes i would get hot ambers flying every where. But all and all it was very worth it.

 

[MelissaB]

Fantastic! You did a great job!

 

[IAmCarl]

Great job! I have 2 armoires in my den and may have to do the same thing. I'm curious if the ventilation will be adequate??? I think I will go with screen.

I'm going to have to seal it and my dilemma is that it's painted. I don't want to strip it because it's distressed and I like it very much.

 

[crixus]

i don't think ventilation will be an issue, the exo terra's have plenty of ventilation in them and chameleons do fine in them. its not sealed like a aquarium. There are slight gaps in the doors so if i got crickets id have to fix that but, plenty of air flow. Also where I live is very dry, so humidity is hard to keep in.

 

[jmwhitel]

Thanks for sharing this! Since I am in the middle of a very similar build, I have some questions...

How did you mount the plexiglass?

What tool did you make your cuts with?
-they are so clean and straight!

What kind of plexiglass did you use?
-I was prolly gonna use abrasion resistant. Might be overkill...

How are you containing the moisture from misting?

Can you supply more pics of the build details?
-lighting, misting, plants, drainage

Again thanks for sharing!

Once finished, I am gonna put my full build log on these forums
I have been documenting every step so far